The Sixers’ losing streak had reached a season-high four games heading into Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center.
It took five extra minutes, but the Sixers made sure the skid wouldn’t reach a fifth game.
Spencer Hawes hit an off-balance three-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in regulation to tie the game and the Sixers seized control in overtime to claim a 115-107 win over the Bucks.
Caron Butler had hit a three-pointer with 8.4 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to put Milwaukee up, 101-97. Evan Turner then put in a layup before Hawes’ incredible shot to force overtime.
Thaddeus Young missed his second straight game for personal reasons. Daniel Orton made another start in Young’s absence.
Turning point
Luke Ridnour had shot just three free throws (and made only one) this season prior to stepping to the line with the Bucks up two points and 3.9 seconds remaining in the game. He split the pair, leaving the door open for the Sixers to force overtime.
NBA
Hawes caught the in-bounds pass in the corner in front of the Bucks’ bench, turned on one foot and found the bottom of the net.
Hawes made three three-pointers in the final 1:21 of regulation.
Follow the leader
Turner scored eight points in overtime and totaled a team-high 27 points in the game.
Hawes had 25 points and 12 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season.
Michael Carter-Williams vowed to be more aggressive at the opening tip and he followed through. Carter-Williams scored 12 points, grabbed eight rebounds, handed out 11 assists, picked up five steals and blocked a shot.
He also had five turnovers in the game and fouled out with 3.9 seconds left in regulation.
The Bucks were led in scoring by Caron Butler, who scored 38 points in 36 minutes, while shooting 13 of 22 from the field.
Stat-egic
For a second game this week, the Sixers missed double-digit free throws. They were 18 of 29 from the charity stripe.
Take a bow
Hollis Thompson scored 10 points in in seven first-half minutes. He was 5 of 6 from the floor.
Thompson finished the game with a career-high 16 points on 7 of 9 shooting in 15 minutes. He also pulled down seven rebounds.
What’s next?
The Sixers will play the Pacers on Saturday night in Indianapolis. Both teams will be playing back-to-back games with the Pacers notching a 97-82 win over the Boston Celtics on Friday to improve their record to 11-1.