Philadelphia 76ers: The Losses Keep Piling Up

The Philadelphia 76ers dropped their ninth game of the last 11. This time the loss was to the Milwaukee Bucks, who entered the game with a 14-23 record, having dropped 12 of their last 16 games. So the Sixers are not just losing to good teams now, they are also losing to bad teams. The memory of the Sixers' quick 13-3 start to the season has faded into the distant memory.

To his credit, Doug Collins tried to shake things up a little bit by giving Evan Turner a rare start. Turner responded by shooting 1-for-12 from the field, scoring only a layup. However, Jodie Meeks scored 13 points coming off the bench, which is a little more productive than he has been while starting.

The Sixers finished the first half with a four-point lead. The Bucks surged to take a three-point lead at the end of the third period. The Bucks extended the lead to 11 with six and half minutes left in the game.

But then it was Lou Williams' turn. He scored 16 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter to almost single-handedly rally the Sixers for a win. He sunk three free throws to tie the game at 93 with 1:11 left. Bino Udrih quickly hit a jumper to give the Bucks the lead back. Since he had the hot hand, Williams got to take the next two shots for the Sixers. Both were good shots under 10 feet, but he missed each. On the second, Thaddeus Young had a tip-in chance but could not convert.

Game over. The Bucks won 97-93.

Brandon Jennings led the Bucks with 33 points. Like Derrick Rose the night before, the Bucks point guard was the best player on the floor. Drew Gooden had an easy time with Nikola Vucevic and scored 25.

On the Sixers' side, Young had another strong game, contributing a double-double. Elton Brand looked tired playing the second consecutive night. Jrue Holiday had another dismal night on 4-for-13 shooting.

The Celtics come to town next. If the Sixers can't get their act together, their once large lead in the Atlantic Division will be almost gone.