Milwaukee Bucks secured a thrilling 135-127 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, February 9, 2025, marking not only another win but also the emotional farewell for legendary basketball commentator Hubie Brown. The game, broadcast live on ABC, was part of the NBA's super Sunday showdown, coinciding with the NFL's Super Bowl festivities.
Despite an impressive performance from 76ers' guard Tyrese Maxey, who scored 39 points, and center Joel Embiid, who managed 27 points along with 12 rebounds, the team fell short against the Bucks. Embiid, who has been managing knee issues for over a year, hinted at the possibility of needing another surgery if the discomfort persists, stating, "I think the straightforward answer is...at some point, you’ve got to do something about it.” This is particularly concerning for the 30-year-old player who averaged 24.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists before the game.
The Bucks faced their own challenges, missing star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a mild calf strain, which will also prevent him from participating in the upcoming All-Star Game. Rising to the occasion, Damian Lillard shone brightly for Milwaukee, contributing 43 points, 8 assists, and 8 rebounds, earning accolades for his dominating performance. His exceptional play was pivotal, especially as Milwaukee entered the game with mixed results; they needed this win after coming off a close loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
The matchup at Fiserv Forum saw both teams striving for playoff positioning, with the Bucks sitting solidly at the fifth seed after their victory, improving to 28-23, whereas the 76ers drop to 20-32, holding onto the 11th seed spot. Clearly, the contrasting trajectories of the two franchises set the stage for various strategic battles on the court.
Even with Embiid and Maxey's efforts, the 76ers found themselves at the mercy of not only their own shortcomings but also the impressive depth and resilience of the Bucks. Coach Mike Budenholzer's squad thrived on defensive rebounds and fast-break opportunities, managing to outperform the 76ers 52-38 on the boards, with notable contributions coming from Gary Trent Jr., who chipped in with 23 points.
Looking at the game statistics, the Bucks displayed effective shooting at 46.3% compared to the 76ers' 43.2%, showcasing how small margins and execution can decide tightly contested games.
After the game, Hubie Brown received the game ball, marking his retirement from broadcasting at age 91. On-air, he reflected, "I have so many things to be thankful for,” capturing not only his gratitude but also the legacy he leaves behind in basketball commentary.
The matchup also stirred discussions about the Sixers’ future. After another rocky start to the season, it begs the question — can they regroup and capitalize on their remaining matches, perhaps finding their way back to postseason contention?
Joel Embiid reiterated the uncertainty of his knee condition, emphasizing the need for recovery time, especially with the offseason looming. “I probably need to just...recover fully,” he said, underlining the importance of maintaining his health for sustained success.
This game encapsulates the contrasts seen across the league, where teams once considered title favorites navigate through their injuries and inconsistencies. With Lillard’s star shining bright and Embiid’s uncertainties casting shadows, the narrative before and after the game was thick with drama.
Looking forward, the Bucks are positioned to capitalize on their recent form, with upcoming matchups against the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, the 76ers must regroup and reassess their strategies if they hope to salvage the remainder of their season.