Embiid scores 40, 76ers outduel Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo won the scoring matchup, but Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers won the game.

Antetokounmpo poured in a career-high 52 points, yet Embiid had 40 points and 15 rebounds to lead the 76ers over the Milwaukee Bucks 130-125 on Sunday in Milwaukee.

Antetokounmpo was 15 of 26 from the field, including 3 of 8 from 3-point range, and made 19 of 21 free throws to better his previous career best by eight points.

The 7-foot, 260pound Embiid challenged his shots and trips into the paint.

“He’s (Embiid) a tough guy,” Antetokounmpo said. “He’s a great defender, strong. It was kind of hard going at him.”

The Sixers’ defense shut down Antetokounmpo in the first two quarters. He was 5 of 13 from the floor and had 17 points and seven rebounds before going 10 of 13 from the floor and 14 of 16 from the line for 35 points in the second half.

“He carried us for most of that game, but not all of it,” Khris Middleton said. “He wreaked havoc in the paint. He got his 3-ball going early. He got into a great rhythm. He was special tonight. Unfortunately, we just didn’t get the win for him on a career night.”

Embiid was up to the challenge of guarding Antetokounmpo.

“I thought we all did a pretty good job in the first half,” Embiid said. “In the second half, he kind of got going. He is tough to guard.”

Embiid and the Sixers weathered a late charge by Milwaukee to beat the team with the best overall record in the NBA (52-18) and the top home record (27-6). It was the fifth time this season Embiid scored 40 or more points and came in his fourth game back after missing nine straight with left knee soreness.

Jimmy Butler added 27 points, JJ Redick 19 and Tobias Harris 12 for the Sixers, near the top of the Eastern Conference standings at 45-15.

KNICKS 124, LAKERS 123: Mario Hezonja blocked Lebron James’ potential game-winning shot with 2.3 seconds to play, allowing New York to complete a late rally and beat Los Angeles. The Lakers led by 11 with under 3 ½ minutes. James finished with 33 points, eight assists and six rebounds in his return after sitting out a game. PISTONS 110, RAPTORS 107: Blake Griffin scored 25 points, Andre Drummond had 15 points and 17 rebounds and Detroit beat Toronto. Kawhi Leonard had 33 points for the Raptors.