Paul George Affirms Sixers As Eastern Conference Playoff Contenders

The Philadelphia 76ers strengthened their Eastern Conference claims with a 139-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, a result that moved Philadelphia to 25-21 and sixth place. Paul George and Joel Embiid both produced standout displays, and George stated after the game that Philadelphia should be viewed as a genuine playoff threat against leading conference rivals.

Embiid delivered 29 points against Milwaukee, hitting all six free throws, adding nine rebounds and five assists in a controlled performance. That outing marked the 100th regular-season game in which Embiid has posted at least 25 points, five rebounds and five assists, joining Allen Iverson, Hal Greer, Julius Erving and Charles Barkley in Philadelphia 76ers history.

Following the win,

George was clear that the Philadelphia 76ers see themselves alongside the East elite. Absolutely, George said when asked if Philadelphia is a serious contender. I think we're right there with theNew York Knicks, with the [Cleveland] Cavaliers. I think we're right in the mix. When things are clicking, and we're playing the right way, and we're firing on all cylinders, we still have the one unguardable player, and that's the trump card. So, yeah, absolutely, we got a chance.

George finished as top scorer with 32 points at Wells Fargo Center, driving the Philadelphia 76ers offence throughout. George matched the franchise record for made three-pointers in a single game with nine, the first time George had reached those scoring and shooting numbers since February 2019, when George was playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Team	Score	Key Performer	Points	Notable Stats
Philadelphia 76ers	139	Paul George	32	Tied team record with 9 three-pointers
Philadelphia 76ers	139	Joel Embiid	29	6/6 free throws, 9 rebounds, 5 assists
Milwaukee Bucks	122	-	-	-

The combination of Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey has not yet produced sustained dominance, but the Philadelphia 76ers now hold another statement win. The performance against the Bucks hinted at what this core can achieve when healthy, with Embiid controlling the interior and George providing high-volume shooting from the perimeter.

Embiid’s landmark statistical night arrived after several difficult seasons disrupted by injuries. It feels so good. Every single time I step on the floor, I become emotional, said Embiid after the win. The last two year have been extremely tough, what I have been through with my family. Im just happy. Finally being consistent, being on the floor, I dont take it for granted.

The Philadelphia 76ers also highlighted George’s outside shooting display, which tied the franchise mark for three-pointers made in one game, through social media during the night.

PG tied the franchise record for most three-pointers in a single game. pic.twitter.com/XpF2tWys6FPhiladelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 28, 2026

With the win over Milwaukee, the Philadelphia 76ers strengthened their position in a crowded Eastern Conference race. The combination of George’s perimeter threat and Embiid’s all-round production offers a clear route to postseason impact, provided the roster remains available and continues to build rhythm before the playoffs begin.