PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers played host to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday looking to end the regular season on the right note. The Sixers entered the contest with an outside shot of sneaking into the playoffs as the No. 6 seed. However, they would also need both the Orlando Magic and the Toronto Raptors to lose their respective contests.
Editor's note: This story will be updated with the final results of Raptors-Nets and Magic-Celtics.
With that being said, the Sixers needed to handle their business against a Bucks team that has nothing to play for. After a slow start, and a halftime deficit, the Sixers kicked it into high gear in the third and walked away with a 126-106 win. The Sixers finish 45-37 on the season with this win over the Bucks.
Tyrese Maxey led the way with 21 points, Andre Drummond had 12 points and 13 rebounds, Justin Edwards had 17 points, and Paul George had 11 points and five rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 11 points and five rebounds and Quentin Grimes added 20 and five assists.
Once again, Maxey just had trouble converting on his open looks from beyond the arc while also having some issues converting at the basket. Things ended up flipping at halftime, though, as he went to work on the offensive end. He was aggressive getting to the basket in the third quarter and powered through Milwaukee’s defenders to get to the basket and give the Sixers some much-needed production on that end of the floor. The jumper is still a bit of a concern, but he can still get to the basket and give them something which is a good sign. His scoring barrage in the third changed the entire complexion of this game as it led to Philadelphia getting back on track.
The rookie gave a little bit of everything in this one. He was terrific with his playmaking as he did a great job of finding teammates and setting everybody up for easy looks at the basket. He showed off everything in his game in this one between knocking down shots in his sweet spots, playing well as a ball-handler, giving an effort defensively, and was a presence on the glass. He was terrific defensively as well as he gave the Sixers a little bit of everything.
The Bucks had no answer for George. The 9-time All-Star went to work early and often as he was able to give the Sixers a big lift in terms of his offense. When considering how important this game was for Philadelphia, it was important the stars showed up to play and George provided a big lift as he kept the scoreboard moving. After the fast start, he faded into the background a bit, but he played well overall to give the Sixers some help.
With the Sixers needing a spark amid a slow start, Oubre was a big positive in the early going. He had a big steal in the first quarter in the backcourt leading to slam and the Sixers leaned on him a bit to give them something in the energy department. He was big in the third as the Sixers put on a big run to really take control of this game. He was all over the place on the defensive end of the floor and was able to contribute offensively in a big way.
It was a rough night for Bona. He had a tough time converting on his looks in the paint, had a tough time catching passes, and was unable to make his usual impact on the boards and defensively. The second-year big man continues to grow as a player, but this has been a tough stretch for him to end the regular season.
Once the Sixers inserted Drummond into the game, he changed everything. He was just too big for the Bucks as he used his size and strength to be a monster on the offensive glass while being a big presence in the paint on either end. He converted on his looks around the basket while also knocking down a corner 3 in the early going. Drummond started the second half and kept his strong night going as he produced on both ends.
The Sixers received a nice effort from Grimes. He provided some much-needed offense as he used his explosiveness off the dribble to get to the basket for a bucket while also knocking down a 3-pointer from the top of the key. He is going to be a key factor for Philadelphia in whatever postseason run it can make.
The Sixers received a big lift from the entire bench unit, and Edwards was a big part of it. He knocked down two triples in succession on catch-and-shoot situations as he continues to be a presence in that area of the game. He knocked down more 3s in the second half as he was efficient with his offense all game by giving the Sixers a big offensive lift.
The initial stint for Barlow was productive. He converted on a layup after moving well without the basketball, played solid on the defensive end, and gave the team a lift with his energy and activity. He had some good moments in this one to help the Sixers get the job done.
The Sixers turned to Walker in the second quarter and he was helpful. He attacked the glass with aggression, was able to convert at the basket, and was able to get to the line in the first half.
Getting a look in the second quarter, Watford was able to give the Sixers a bucket in his initial stint. There were some defensive miscues, though. He didn’t play in the second half until the game was decided.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Sixers rally to beat Bucks at home in the season finale