Paul George poured in 32 points and Joel Embiid added 29 — including 18 in a dominant first quarter — as the Philadelphia 76ers cruised past the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks 139-122 on Tuesday night.
Tyrese Maxey chipped in 22 points for Philadelphia, which bounced back after being routed at Charlotte a night earlier while both Embiid and George sat out.
Myles Turner led Milwaukee with 31 points, but the Bucks dropped their third straight game and sixth in their last seven. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play because of a right calf strain that the team said will sideline him indefinitely.
Philadelphia took firm control early in the fourth quarter when George drilled back-to-back 3-pointers, turning an 11-point lead into an 18-point cushion. The surge was a stark contrast from Monday’s loss to the Hornets, when the Sixers trailed by 50 entering the final period.
The Sixers faced a quick turnaround after their game in Charlotte was moved to an early-afternoon tip due to winter weather, delaying their return to Philadelphia until after 1 a.m. Still, the return of Embiid and George — both held out Monday for injury management — energized the home team.
Maxey punctuated the first half by setting up Embiid for an alley-oop dunk, then celebrated animatedly as both players smiled toward Bucks coach Doc Rivers, who previously led the 76ers for three seasons.
George shot 11 of 21 from the field and went 9 for 15 from beyond the arc. Embiid also collected nine rebounds and five assists.
Ryan Rollins scored 24 points for Milwaukee. Bobby Portis added 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Kyle Kuzma finished with 17. The Bucks were also without Kevin Porter Jr. (right oblique) and Taurean Prince (neck surgery).
Philadelphia played without Quentin Grimes, who was sidelined with a right ankle sprain.
Up next:
Bucks: At Washington on Thursday night.
76ers: Host Sacramento on Thursday night.
