NBA Playoffs : Jones Pushes 76ers Into Seventh Game

Bobby Jones doesn’t play like a guy who is about to retire. The 6-9 forward, one of the NBA’s top defensive players, joined Charles Barkley, Maurice Cheeks and Julius Erving Friday night in keeping the Philadelphia 76ers alive in the NBA playoffs.

Jones and Barkley each scored 23 points, and Cheeks reached double figures in points, rebounds and assists as the 76ers routed the Milwaukee Bucks, 126-108, to force a seventh and deciding game in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

The 76ers and Bucks will meet Sunday at Milwaukee to determine an opponent for the Boston Celtics in the final.

Jones, who has announced unofficially that he will call it a career after 13 pro seasons, made 7 of 9 shots, sank 9 of 11 free throws, handed out 4 assists and blocked 3 shots.

Barkley grabbed a game-leading 21 rebounds and blocked 2 shots. Cheeks had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists.

Julius Erving collected 18 points, and with Barkley, led a 76er surge in the third quarter that broke the game open. Each scored 10 in that period.

Jones said of his unusual offensive contribution, “I was open a few times, and they got me the ball. We were spreading it out.”

The former North Carolina player, who started his career in the now-defunct American Basketball Assn., received a standing ovation when he left the game in the final period with 2:21 left.

“It was very nice,” Jones said. “I really appreciated it. I’ve always appreciated these fans.”

The Bucks shot only 43.3% to 56.6% for the 76ers.

Craig Hodges led the Bucks with 22 points, including five three-point goals. Terry Cummings had 16 for Milwaukee, which played for the second straight game without Sidney Moncrief, who has an injured left heel.