If you envisioned two free throws and a 15-foot jump shot from Nerlens Noel putting the 76ers over the top Wednesday, raise your hand.
There were a lot of other factors that helped the Sixers to another thrilling win, this time 114-109 over the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center, but those three points from Noel were massive.
Down 109-106 with 1:18 to play, the Sixers didn’t flinch. Robert Covington hit a pair of free throws to bring the visitors within one, then Noel was fouled with 35.9 seconds left.
A sub-60 percent free throw shooter entering this season, the 6-foot-11 big man connected on both attempts from the stripe, sending the Sixers ahead, 110-109.
Milwaukee, for a second straight possession, committed a turnover on an inbounds play, paving the way for Noel’s dramatic, clutch elbow J with 15.6 seconds remaining.
Giannis Antetokounmpo misfired on a 3-pointer, the Sixers grabbed the rebound, and all that were left to put the wraps on their 17th victory of the season were two freebies from Ersan Ilyasova.
Noel finished with 16 points (5-9 fg, 6-6 ft) and 13 rebounds, notching his first double-double of the year.
The Sixers scored 72 points in Wednesday’s first half, their highest first-half total since February of 2010.
Key Performers:
• Turning in his highest-scoring performance of 2017, Gerald Henderson provided needed baskets down the stretch of the second half, as Milwaukee was making its comeback. The eighth-year shooting guard has filled an effective role off the bench as of late. With 20 points Wednesday, Henderson has now reached double-figures in three consecutive contests.
• For Milwaukee, Greg Monroe, in a reserve capacity, registered a season-best 28 points, and snagged nine boards. He came on strong in the second stanza, and helped position Milwaukee for a possible win.
