NBA Playoffs : Pressey Finds Touch as Bucks Push 76ers to Brink, 113-108

Paul Pressey struggled on offense in the early going but began scoring in the nick of time Wednesday night.

Pressey got 13 of his 23 points in the final quarter to lead the Milwaukee Bucks past the Philadelphia 76ers, 113-108, at Milwaukee.

The Bucks took a 3-2 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal series and can it up with a victory in Game 6 Friday night at Philadelphia.

“Paul Pressey rose to the occasion,” Milwaukee Coach Don Nelson said. He played at a very high level.”

Pressey, a 6-5 swingman, completed a triple-double by adding 10 rebounds and 16 assists while filling in for Milwaukee’s injured All-Star guard Sidney Moncrief.

“He took control of the ball, where in the two games we won, he didn’t,” Philadelphia Coach Matt Guokas said of Pressey, who had 13 assists entering the final period.

A basket by Bobby Jones with 44 seconds left pulled the 76ers within 110-108, but Terry Cummings made three free throws in the final 14 seconds to wrap up the victory.

Charles Barkley led Philadelphia with 29 points, and Maurice Cheeks added 27.