Credit: Twitter
Joel Embiid brings up strong midrange game to help Philadelphia 76ers defeat Milwaukee Bucks 110-102 at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night. During the third quarter, the Sixers center committed a blatant foul on Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo that forced the latter to take a breather.
The 28-year-old Embiid and the 2021 NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo registered most points for their respective sides. The 76ers star registered 32 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks while the two-time NBA MVP scored 25 points, made 14 rebounds and four assists.
With 5:48 to go in the third quarter, Giannis was on a break while Embiid was at the back court. As the Bucks star tried to go past the defender, the 7-footer tried to block Antetokounmpo. Embiid lowered his shoulder into the mid section of the Bucks forward's chest. The impact forced Embiid to the ground while Giannis completed the shot and required to take a breather after the hit.
Embiid received a flagrant foul 1 for his block as he avoided a flagrant 2, which could lead to his ejection, while Giannis was rewarded two free throws that he missed. Many fans believe that it was Giannis' spectacular block on Embiid in the beginning of the third quarter that led the 76ers star to take a revenge.
Take a look at Giannis' block on Embiid:
At the end, Embiid's staggering midrange performance helped the 76ers to beat the Bucks. This was the fourth defeat of the NBA 2022-23 regular season for Milwaukee Bucks and their third defeat in six road games. On the other hand, Philadelphia 76ers have registered eight victories in 15 matches so far.
Despite the loss, Milwaukee Bucks maintain their second spot in the Eastern Conference standings while Philadelphia 76ers managed a three-game winning streak to claim the ninth spot in the standings.