NBA: 76ers close regular season with 126-106 win over Bucks

Tyrese Maxey led the Philadelphia 76ers with 21 points, including 16 in the third quarter, as they pulled away from the Milwaukee Bucks for a dominant 126-106 victory on Sunday. The win was especially significant as it may mark the last game for Hall of Fame coach Doc Rivers with the team.

Rivers, who is in the final year of his $40 million contract, is reportedly in discussions with Milwaukee regarding a potential move to a front-office position for the 2026-27 season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Rivers’ coaching legacy is secure, as he will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in August.

Quentin Grimes contributed 20 points and four 3-pointers, helping Philadelphia (45-37) extend its winning streak to two games. The team has secured a spot in the play-in tournament and will face the Orlando Magic, who are seeded eighth, in their next game on Wednesday.

Other key contributors for the 76ers included Justin Edwards, who had 17 points, and Andre Drummond, who posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. VJ Edgecombe dished out a game-high 11 assists, in addition to contributing nine points and seven rebounds. Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. both scored 11 points each, while star center Joel Embiid was sidelined, recovering from an appendectomy.

Philadelphia’s bench made a significant impact, outscoring Milwaukee’s reserves 70-25. The 76ers also dominated in several key statistical categories, holding a 54-48 edge in points in the paint, a 21-12 advantage in fastbreak points, and a 30-24 advantage in points off turnovers.

On the other hand, Milwaukee (32-50) closed its season with a disappointing loss. AJ Green set a franchise record for the most 3-pointers in a single season, finishing the game with five from beyond the arc and 19 points. Despite his performance, Green failed to score in the second half.

Cormac Ryan, a recent addition to the Bucks' roster, led the team with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan, who had been performing well in the NBA G League, capped off an impressive rookie season by scoring in double digits for the eighth consecutive game.

Jericho Sims added 15 points and seven rebounds, while Ousmane Dieng contributed 11 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds. Taurean Prince chipped in 14 points. However, the Bucks struggled throughout the season, losing 19 of their last 25 games and failing to make the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

The absence of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was felt deeply. Antetokounmpo missed the final 15 games with a hyperextended left knee, although he has maintained he is fit to play.

With the win, Philadelphia now looks ahead to their upcoming play-in tournament matchup, while Milwaukee enters an uncertain offseason after a tumultuous season.

-Field Level Media/Reuters