Giannis Antetokounmpo Dominant As Bucks Beat Joel Embiid and 76ers

• The Milwaukee Bucks crushed East rivals Philadelphia 76ers with a dominant display
• MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo was fantastic, scoring 33 points in 31 minutes
• The Bucks are now two games ahead of second-seeded Boston Celtics in the conference

The Milwaukee Bucks outplayed Eastern Conference rival, the Philadelphia 76ers to win 117-104, their 56th of the season.

Bucks superstar and MVP candidate, Giannis Antetokounmpo outdueled Sixers star, Joel Embiid, splitting the regular season series as the season draws to a close.

The 2021 NBA champions blitzed the Sixers early in the game and never looked back. The hosts never trailed, sealing a convincing win against a serious NBA title contender.

Antetokounmpo was excellent for the Bucks. He finished with 33 points on 13-for-17 shooting, 14 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.

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Four Bucks starters scored in double-digits, per NBC Sports.

Meanwhile, Embiid registered 28 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Tyrese Maxey added 29 for the visitors.

Reactions to Sixers vs. Bucks

Bucks coach, Mike Budenholzer said Antetokounmpo is the MVP this season.

"We certainly feel like Giannis is the MVP. Best player, best record, what he does on both ends of the court, the rebounding, the blocked shots, the defense, guarding on the perimeter. He does everything: play-makes, attacks, gets to the free throw line. We feel like he's in the conversation and he should be the guy," he said via ESPN.

The 28-year-old is having a career season: in 62 games this season, he's averaging 31.1 points on 55% shooting to go along with 11.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists. He has won also two MVP awards (in 2019 and 2020).

"It's a great compliment," Antetokounmpo said. "I was happy when I won my first two. I'm happy that the last five years, I'm able to be in the conversation. I'm happy that I'm able to be consistent."

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Embiid has finished second in MVP voting in the last two season behind Nikola Jokic and is looking to lift his first award.

The Cameroon center is averaging a league-best 33.0 points on 54% shooting with 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

Tatum on Antetokounmpo

Sports Brief earlier reported on Celtics' Jayson Tatum calling Antetokoumpo the best player in the NBA.

He has faced Antetokounmpo several times in the playoffs in the last few seasons and has given praise.

Tatum noted the impact of the 'Greek Freak' in terms of scoring and rebounding, and his 'hard plays'.