The Philadelphia 76ers outlasted the Milwaukee Bucks 139-122 as Paul George and Joel Embiid returned to the lineup on Tuesday night.
George dropped 32 points, Embiid with 29 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, and Tyrese Maxey added 22 points for the Sixers.
Despite two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting out due to right calf strain, Myles Turner led the Bucks with 31 points, but they are already losing their third straight sixth of seven.
George hit back-to-back three-pointers early in the fourth quarter to help them extend their 11-point lead to start the period to 18 points.
Maxey found Embiid for an alley-oop dunk late in the first half, and Maxey jumped up and down with excitement as both players smiled towards Bucks Doc Rivers, who led Philadelphia for three seasons.
Bucks’ Ryan Rollins scored 24, Bobby Portis had 17 and 12 rebounds, and Kyle Kuzma scored 17.
In addition to Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter Jr. was also sidelined due to a right oblique injury, and Taurean Prince underwent neck surgery. Quentin Grimes is also out for the Sixers due to a right ankle sprain.
Both teams will compete on Thursday night: the Bucks play at Washington, while Philadelphia hosts the Kings.
