Bucks Too Much for Orlando
Milwaukee, WI — In a powerful display at Fiserv Forum, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a decisive 122-93 victory over the Orlando Magic. The game showcased skill and star power from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, whose performances were pivotal, while the Magic grappled with their poor shooting performance all night long.
Key Injury Report Updates
Before the game against the Bucks, the Orlando Magic continued to face a challenging injury situation and needed the roster to compete without several key players.
Jalen Suggs (low back strain) was ruled out, while Franz Wagner (return to competition reconditioning) has made progress in his recovery from his torn right oblique injury, but is still sidelined. Gary Harris (left hamstring strain) was also out.
Initially listed as doubtful, Jett Howard (left ankle sprain) was unfortunately downgraded to out before the game commenced. On the questionable front, Goga Bitadze (right hip contusion) ultimately did not play, whereas KCP (left knee strain), Cory Joseph (illness), and Tristan da Silva (illness) managed to take the court.
On the Bucks’ side, Gary Trent Jr. (hip) was the lone absentee, sidelined with injury.
Bucks’ Stars Take Charge
Giannis Antetokounmpo was a force on the court, amassing 26 points on an impressive 73.3% shooting, along with 11 rebounds. His ability to control both ends of the floor was evident, a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game.
Damian Lillard complemented Giannis perfectly, lighting up the scoreboard with 30 points, shooting at 68.4% efficiency from the field, and going a perfect 3 from 3 from beyond the arc. Lillard’s defensive efforts, including 4 steals, showcased his commitment to both sides of the ball this game.
The improved chemistry between Lillard and Giannis was on full display, highlighting their growing partnership on the court, which is a scary sight when they are clicking.
Orlando’s Shooting Challenges
The Orlando Magic had a tough night with their shooting and struggled to find a rhythm, only hitting 34.7% of their field goals. Paolo Banchero led the team with 22 points, but the collective struggle was noticeable and the Magic felt the frustration of all the missed opportunities, similar to Orlando’s last game against the Bucks.
Some Bright Spots in the Game
Despite the offensive woes, Orlando’s defense was noteworthy, forcing the Bucks into 21 turnovers and grabbing 13 steals.
On top of that, the team’s 24 assists were a silver lining, showing Orlando’s effort to keep the team’s spirit and basketball philosophy alive despite the shooting slump.
Bucks’ Defensive Strength
Milwaukee’s defense was suffocating, anchored by Brook Lopez, who swatted away five shots and clogged the paint all night.
The Bucks’ relentless pressure forced Orlando into tough looks and further complicated their offense. It wasn’t just Lopez—it was a team-wide effort that showed Milwaukee’s defensive identity.
The Short Road Trip Continues
For the Magic, this game was a learning curve as it was only Paolo’s third game back from his two-month-long injury. They’ll need to focus on refining their shooting to bounce back in their next game. The anticipation of Wagner’s return adds a hopeful note, offering a chance for Orlando to regain their stride.
The Magic will face another tough challenge as they play the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on Friday evening. It’ll take a stronger shooting performance and more offensive cohesion to compete in what promises to be another tough matchup.