Player grades: Jaylen Brown leads LeBron James-less Sixers over Bucks
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 127-116 while resting LeBron James. Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid led the team to maintain their undefeated season record.
Why it matters
Demonstrates the impact of load management strategies on team performance in professional basketball.
PHILADELPHIA -- For the first time in the 2026-27 season, the Philadelphia 76ers took the floor without LeBron James as they played host to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Sixers, on the first night of a back-to-back, decided to rest James in an effort to manage his workload as Philadelphia moves forward.
Without the services of James, the Sixers leaned on Jaylen Brown a bit more and he responded to the call. He finished with 27 points and played well on both ends of the floor as the Sixers were able to knock off the Bucks by a score of 127-116 to remain undefeated on the season.
Joel Embiid led the way with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, Tyrese Maxey had 26 points and four assists, VJ Edgecombe had 17 and 12 rebounds, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 12 huge points and some strong defense off the bench.
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