(Photo: Jabari Parker's Wikipedia.
On Monday, the Sixers gave about half a game’s worth of very strong and encouraging play. Tonight, they gave a full game’s worth of more than competitive basketball.
Philadelphia nearly escaped Milwaukee with their first victory of the season, but it slipped away late. The Bucks took a late lead to secure a 91-87 win.
The Sixers played with a lead as late as two minutes left in the game. Greg Monroe would then power his way through the paint to get the lay-in and give the Bucks, and they would keep that lead for good.
The dagger was a Khris Middleton three to make it a four point game, 89-85. The game was essentially sealed when Nik Stauskas lost control of a dripple and turned the ball over. Stauskas had 4 of the Sixers’ 18 turnovers.
Despite the disappointing finish, the Sixers played what was easily their best game of the season. Jahlil Okafor was once again impressive, dropping 21 points on a 9-13 night from the floor. He was also a perfect 3-3 at the free throw line.
For the Sixers, the most impressive performance however may have come from T.J. McConnell. Making his first start, the rookie nearly had a triple-double. He finished with 7-12-9 in 35 minutes. He only had one turnover, meaning in his last two games he has 24 assists to just 1 turnover.
Jabari Parker returned for Milwaukee, but they entered the game rather banged up, namely without Michael Carter-Williams. They were led in scoring by Middleton with 21 points.
The Sixers now return back home to face the Magic. Tip-off Saturday is at 7 p.m.
