Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) releases a shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, April 15, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Milwaukee Bucks surged ahead from the opening tip, then held off Philadelphia in a 124-117 decision Thursday night.
Milwaukee scored the first 10 points of the game, never trailed, and led by as much as 21 before the Sixers rallied in the fourth period.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 27 points and took down 16 boards. Bobby Portis came off the bench to score a season-high 23 points and point guard Jrue Holiday had 11 assists.
The 76ers lead the Eastern Conference standings, but the Bucks have beaten them twice this season and meet them again Saturday.
