Myles Turner led the Milwaukee Bucks with a season-high 31 points in Tuesday’s 139-122 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“Just defensively… I don’t think we played bad defense, but it was a 50-50 balls,” Turner said, pointing to 30-plus points allowed off offensive rebounds and double-digit points off turnovers.
The center acknowledged the challenge of defending without Giannis Antetokounmpo. “With the margins, without Giannis, you’re going to be a little bit smaller,” he said, adding that improving defensive rebounding is a matter of effort. “Rebound is all effort. I don’t really think there’s a scheme for it. I myself could hold myself accountable and I can’t be a center finishing with four or five rebounds.”
Turner emphasized personal responsibility moving forward. “It’s going to be a lot more responsibility on my part to go in there and get it done,” he said, stressing the need for consistent effort on the boards.
He also reflected on his offensive role and involvement in the game. “There’s really not much I can’t do on the offensive side of the floor. I just wanted to embrace my role, whatever that may be,” Turner said. “Tonight I saw an opportunity to be aggressive, attacking their five men, their defense, and where they want to play.”
Turner noted the contributions of Portis and Kuzma. “Bobby’s a low-post threat, so guys have to double him and he makes the right play. Kuz is handling the ball, getting out in transition, and making plays. It’s just about being in the right place at the right time,” Turner said.
Philadelphia was led by Paul George’s 32 points, Joel Embiid’s 29 points and nine rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey’s 22 points. George hit consecutive threes early in the fourth quarter to stretch an 11-point lead to 18, while Maxey found Embiid for a late first-half alley-oop dunk.
The Bucks, missing Giannis, Kevin Porter Jr., and Taurean Prince, continue to struggle, dropping their third straight game. Ryan Rollins scored 24, Portis had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Kuzma added 17.
Milwaukee will travel to Washington on Thursday, while the 76ers host the Sacramento Kings, leaving Turner and the Bucks focused on closing defensive gaps to complement their offensive potential.
