HILADELPHIA TIMES -Giannis Antetokounmpo was explaining his early hot streak on the court when he noticed himself in a commercial on a muted TV.
Antetokounmpo delayed his thought to praise actor Simu Liu, describing him as having a “kind heart.”
As the commercial ended, Antetokounmpo smiled and said of Liu, “That’s my guy.”
The Greek Freak can also thank his Milwaukee teammates for some highlight-reel plays.
With 23.8 seconds remaining, Wesley Matthews hit the game-winning 3-pointer, and Antetokounmpo finished with 21 points as well as 13 rebounds leading the Bucks to a 90-88 triumph over Philadelphia 76ers.
“If the ball gets into Wes’ hands, you can be pretty sure it’s going in, according to “Brook Lopez”
Lopez earned 17 points as the Bucks, who went 0-5 in the preseason, won their season starter after Matthews surprised the Sixers on the long 3. James Harden, who scored 31 as well as rallied the Sixers in the fourth, missed a jumper that could have won them the game.
“It was a nice look, not a great look,” Harden admitted.
Matthews, who is in his 14th NBA season, hit two three-pointers and managed to score eight points, including the game-winning shot off a kick-out pass from Grayson Allen.
“It was a great decision,” Antetokounmpo said, “and Wes was able to knock down the shot.”
The 76ers were booed off the court in the 3rd quarter after losing their opening game Tuesday night in Boston due to another poor defensive effort.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 15 points. Joel Embiid was shut down by Lopez and Antetokounmpo in the second half and did not score. Embiid completed with 15 points and 12 rebounds despite declining to speak to the media.
“It’s difficult. “He’s such a pain,” Lopez remarked. “You have to keep him off his position as much as possible.” But he has a spot almost everywhere on the floor.”
Embiid had four turnovers after undergoing offseason surgery to fix a torn ligament in his right thumb. He scored six points against the Celtics.
“It affects you for a long time, especially if he gets hit,” said coach Doc Rivers. “Those are still rudimentary moves.” As a big man, I’m sure he gets hit every game. You are not injured; it is only painful.”
Harden finally got the Sixers rolling in the 4th quarter, scoring eight consecutive points to reduce a 12-point deficit to single digits.
Attempting to bolster the defensive lineup Rivers turned to Harden, Tobias Harris, P.J Tucker, De’Anthony Melton as well as Daniel House Jr.
The 76ers forced Bucks turnovers as well as forced them out of bounds. Tucker stole the ball and found Harden for a layup that tied the game at 80-all with 6:41 remaining.
Harden, whose pestering hamstring injuries from last season appear to be behind him, scored to cap a 13-0 run with Embiid on the bench.
Coach Mike Budenholzer described him as “a special player, a special scorer.”
When Antetokounmpo pushed through for Milwaukee’s first basket in more than four minutes, he broke the tie.
TIP-INS
Bucks: Following surgery on his right ankle, Budenholzer used a walking stick before the game as well as hobbled in a walking boot during it.
Rivers compared Bucks guard Jrue Holiday to ex 76ers point guard Mo Cheeks, whose No. 10 has been retired by the team.
Holiday, who began his career with the Sixers, shot 13 of 15 times. “I don’t think he gets adequate credit,” said Rivers. “I’m not aware of any other guard who is a stronger defensive player than him.”
I’d rather not see him every night.”
76ers: Michael Rubin, the founder of Fanatics, did sell his stake in the organization that owns the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils to David Adelman.
Adelman is the company’s third-largest shareholder, trailing only owners Josh Harris as well as David Blitzer.
