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Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from Christmas Day loss to Philadelphia 76ers

By Brian Sampson

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 25: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to pass as Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends during the first half of the game at Wells Fargo Center on December 25, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 25: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to pass as Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers defends during the first half of the game at Wells Fargo Center on December 25, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day. What should we take away from it?

The Milwaukee Bucks had passed every test with flying colors. Coming into the Christmas Day showdown against the Philadelphia 76ers, their 27-4 record was tops in the NBA. They had defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and just about every other big-name team they faced this season.

Wednesday represented yet another chance for the Bucks to flex their muscles on National television. Unfortunately, they were on the wrong end of a beatdown this time around.

The 76ers shot the lights out on their way to tieing a franchise record with 21 made threes. That’s more than double the amount they average per game. The Bucks, on the other hand, were sloppy all around. That led to a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the final score made it seem. Without further ado, here are three takeaways from the Bucks’ Christmas embarrassment:

Joel Embiid Locked In

Joel Embiid is one of the most talented players in the NBA. And, although he doesn’t always play with intensity, he was locked in against the Bucks. Embiid dominated on both ends of the court and finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.

His defense, specifically on Giannis Antetokounmpo, was most impressive. He regularly challenged Antetokounmpo around the rim and used his verticality and length to make life difficult. It’s no coincidence Antetokounmpo missed a career-high 19 shots in the game. This version of Embiid is very scary and the rest of the NBA better hope he doesn’t stay locked in.

Outside Shooting

The Bucks fell to the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals, partially, due to the three-ball. A combination of both Milwaukee’s struggles and Toronto’s excellence. That formula reared it’s ugly head once again against Philadelphia.

The 76ers connected on 21 of their 44 attempts. That’s astronomical considering they are typically shy when it comes to shooting from downtown. It was clear Milwaukee was more than happy to let them bomb away and the plan backfired.

As for the Bucks, they struggled from downtown outside of the fourth quarter. When you combine that with their inability to score in the paint, it resulted in a long 48 minutes of gameplay.

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Top Teams

The Bucks had already established themselves as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Many thought Philly would be there too, but they are stuck in the middle of a crowded standings between the second and sixth-best teams in the East.

Regardless of current records, the 76ers reminded everyone why they are popular picks to come out of the Eastern Conference. They have all the talent in the world and when they play together, they can be very hard to beat.

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