Doc Rivers, the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent head coaching acquisition, celebrated a significant victory on Sunday against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, marking his first visit back to Philadelphia since his tenure with the 76ers ended after the 2022-23 season. Despite a challenging start with the Bucks, Rivers improved his record to 5-7 following a decisive 119-98 win, undeterred by the boos that greeted his return.
The game initially promised a tight contest, with both teams exchanging leads early on. However, the Bucks shifted gears halfway through the first quarter, leaving the 76ers trailing with a substantial lead that they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. Despite a brief resurgence from the 76ers in the third quarter, reducing the deficit to 13 points, the Bucks regained momentum in the final quarter, extending their lead to 25 points.
The Bucks showcased a robust performance, particularly from beyond the arc, capitalizing on the absence of the 76ers’ star Joel Embiid, who is out due to a knee injury. With this victory, the Bucks are beginning to find their rhythm under Rivers’ guidance.
The 76ers, on the other hand, are eagerly awaiting the return of Embiid in the latter part of the season, hoping to maintain their competitive edge in his absence.