The Philadelphia 76ers capped off their regular season with a decisive 126-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 12, 2026, securing a playoff spot.
Why it matters: This win concluded the 76ers' season on a high note and solidified their position as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, setting up a play-in matchup against the Orlando Magic.
The Sixers finished the season with a record of 45-37, marking a bounce-back year after facing numerous challenges.
Philadelphia will host the Magic in the 7 vs. 8 play-in game at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15.
Tyrese Maxey's performance was key; he led the team with 21 points, including a stellar third quarter showing.
Driving the news: The 76ers entered the game needing a win to secure their playoff positioning, and they delivered. After a lackluster first half where they trailed 62-58, they exploded in the third quarter.
Maxey struggled initially, scoring just 5 points on 1-for-5 shooting before turning it around with 16 points on 7-for-8 shooting in the third.
Philadelphia outscored Milwaukee 38-16 in the third quarter, effectively sealing the game.
Quentin Grimes and Justin Edwards contributed significantly, scoring 20 and 17 points respectively.
State of play: The Bucks, heavily shorthanded and finishing the season at 32-50, faced an uphill battle throughout the game.
Milwaukee had only eight players available, and their season ended with their fewest wins since the 2013-14 season.
Cormac Ryan had a standout performance with his first career double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
AJ Green made history by breaking Ray Allen's franchise record for most three-pointers in a season, finishing with 232 triples.
The big picture: The Sixers' victory is a sign of resilience after a tumultuous season filled with injuries and suspensions.
Head coach Nick Nurse praised the team's ability to handle adversity, noting their improvement compared to last season when they struggled significantly.
The 76ers have shown growth, winning 21 more games than the previous season, highlighting their potential heading into the playoffs.
Maxey's resurgence in the second half reflects the team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, a promising sign for their playoff run.
What they're saying: Players and coaches expressed optimism following the game.
“They’re a tough team,” Maxey said about facing the Magic. “They’ve been in the playoffs the last couple of years and they know how they’re going to play.”
Nurse emphasized the importance of their strong finish, stating, “I’m pretty proud of them for hanging in there and battling through the adversity.”
Ryan acknowledged the disappointment of the Bucks' season but celebrated his personal achievement: “It feels great to get my first double-double, but it’s bittersweet with the way the season went.”
By the numbers: The game featured several notable statistics that underscored the performance of both teams.
The Sixers shot 48.7% from the field, compared to the Bucks' 41.8%.
Philadelphia dominated the boards, out-rebounding Milwaukee 53-39, with Drummond contributing 13 rebounds.
Maxey's 16 points in the third quarter were a key factor in the Sixers' turnaround.
Yes, but: The Bucks' struggles throughout the season cannot be overlooked.
Milwaukee's record of 32-50 marks a disappointing end to a season that began with playoff aspirations.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's absence due to injuries significantly impacted the team's performance, as he played only 36 games this season.
Head coach Doc Rivers noted the challenges faced by the Bucks, stating, “They played hard, but we took advantage of their struggles.”
What's next: The 76ers now turn their focus to the play-in tournament.
Philadelphia will host the Orlando Magic in a must-win game to secure their playoff berth.
The game is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Philadelphia.
The outcome will determine whether the Sixers advance to the playoffs or face an early exit.