Joel Embiid, Sixers crush NBA leading Bucks in Christmas Day matchup

The Philadelphia 76ers make a statement and crushed the Milwaukee Bucks on Christmas Day.

The Philadelphia 76ers were ready for this one. They knew they would be tested against the Milwaukee Bucks, the team with the best record in the league and they came out with the correct energy from the jump.

Philadelphia put on a suffocating defensive effort on their way to a 69-48 halftime lead and they didn’t look back leading by as many as 29 on their way to a 121-109 win over the Bucks. Philadelphia received a big game from Joel Embiid who led the Sixers with 31 points and 11 rebounds. He shot 11-for-21 overall and 3-for-6 from deep in a dominant display of basketball from start to finish. It was one of the best games of the season for the superstar big man.

Philadelphia received a good all-around game from Ben Simmons with 15 points, 14 assists, and seven rebounds along with his usual stout defense. He frustrated Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo out on the perimeter which then caused frustration down low.

Tobias Harris poured in 22 points on 8-for-16 shooting, Al Horford had 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Richardson had 18 points and Furkan Korkmaz had 16 off the bench. It was an impressive showing all day for the Sixers as they continue to grow into the team that’s expected of them.

The Sixers now hit the road to face the Orlando Magic on Friday to begin a Florida back-to-back. It will kick off a four-game road trip for the Sixers. [lawrence-related id=22105,22090,22082]