Sixers-Knicks tickets to set record; why are Sixers game so expensive? – The News Journal

**Sixers Clinch Playoff Berth with Dramatic Overtime Victory Over Bucks**

Philadelphia — In a night that felt like a cinematic climax, the Philadelphia 76ers secured their spot in the postseason with a 127‑122 overtime triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center. The win, the 76ers’ 41st of the season, capped a three‑game winning streak and solidified their position as the Eastern Conference’s third seed.

The game was a back‑and‑forth affair. The Bucks jumped out to a 12‑point lead in the first quarter, but the Sixers answered with a 15‑point surge in the third that tied the score at 68‑68. Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey poured in 28 points, including a clutch three‑pointer that cut the deficit to two. “We knew we had to keep pushing,” Maxey said in the post‑game press conference. “The guys in the backcourt were firing on all cylinders.”

In the second half, Joel Embiid dominated the paint, finishing with 22 points and 11 rebounds. His 8‑point stretch in the final minutes of regulation tied the game, forcing overtime. In the extra period, Embiid’s aggressive rebounding and 4‑point play from beyond the arc were pivotal. “We had to stay in the paint and fight for every rebound,” Embiid said. “The guys on the perimeter did a great job too.”

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 points and 10 rebounds, but his team fell short in the clutch. Milwaukee’s bench struggled, and the Sixers’ defense tightened in the final minutes, forcing four turnovers in the last 90 seconds.

With the win, the Sixers now hold a 41‑26 record, 9 games ahead of the 12th‑place Washington Wizards. The victory also gives Philadelphia a 3‑0 series lead in the upcoming first‑round matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.

“We’re thrilled to have a playoff berth,” Sixers president Daryl Morey said. “The team has shown resilience and depth. Now it’s about staying focused and keeping the momentum going.”