Added Young: "It's the team's goal. Most of us haven't been past the first round, so it's definitely something we want to accomplish."
The Sixers hold the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. If the regular season ended today, the Sixers would play the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, but it's also possible they could play the Miami Heat.
Sixers coach Doug Collins credited guard Lou Williams with best explaining the team's playoff mentality. Williams pointed out that the Sixers were in the playoffs for two consecutive seasons before last year's failure.
"I think they feel like there's a lot more work to be done, and I think they feel like we can continue to win basketball games," Collins said.
Redemption
On March 12, the Bucks defeated the Sixers at the Bradley Center, 102-74. In that game the Sixers were blown out midway through the third quarter.
"We know they smashed us when we came here last time, but now I think we're ready mentally and physically for this game," Young said.
Milwaukee, 30-45, entered Saturday's game still mathematically alive for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks were four games behind the Indiana Pacers.
"We're not out of anything yet, but obviously it's a long shot," said Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles.
No Lou
With just under one minute remaining in the third quarter, Williams strained his right hamstring. Williams, who finished the game 1 for 5 from the floor with three points, received treatment on the bench before going back to the locker room. He did not return.
- Kate Fagan
