Depleted Magic Team Lose in Cup Knockout
Milwaukee, WI – The Magic NBA Cup game against the Milwaukee Bucks was tough for Orlando, as they were missing franchise cornerstones Franz Wagner (oblique) and Paolo Banchero (oblique), amongst others. Despite these absences, the Magic displayed a gutsy performance led by Jalen Suggs’ career-high 32 points, ultimately falling short in a tightly contested 114-109 loss. This Magic vs Bucks matchup was a testament to the team’s depth and resilience.
Defensive Grit and Team Effort
The Magic compensated for their missing stars with exceptional defensive grit. They held Giannis Antetokounmpo to just one assist while forcing 16 turnovers from Milwaukee. Their dominance extended to the boards, particularly on the offensive glass, where Orlando snagged 15 rebounds compared to the Bucks’ 5.
Every player contributed, underscoring the team’s commitment to defense and resilience against a star-studded opponent. The players left it all on the court, contributing to the Orlando Magic NBA Cup run, and their efforts reflected their competitive drive to compete in this tournament.
Jalen Suggs Shines Bright
Jalen Suggs stole the spotlight with his career-best performance. Logging 37 minutes, Suggs scored 32 points on 46.2% shooting, including three three-pointers. This marks the third time this season alone that he’s surpassed his career high, with his 28-point outing against the Cavs and his 31-point game against the Bulls coming earlier this season.
Beyond his scoring, he disrupted Milwaukee’s offense with four steals, showcasing his trademark defensive intensity. Suggs’ career high not only kept the Magic competitive but also highlighted his ability to rise to the occasion as the team’s primary offensive option when needed.
Contributions From Role Players
The Magic’s depth was evident, with several role players delivering standout performances. Goga Bitadze anchored the paint with a double-double, tallying 12 points and 14 rebounds. Anthony Black continued his strong start to the season with 17 points and three steals, offering glimpses of his star potential. Moritz Wagner, as he always seems to do, brought great energy off the bench, scoring 13 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting night.
These key efforts highlighted the “next man up” mentality that Coach Mosley is always preaching, especially now that the team’s two main stars are out for extended periods of time. This shows the potential of Orlando’s young roster on how they can grow together and step up in big moments, just as they did in this critical Magic vs Bucks showdown.
The Final Moments
Orlando led by three with just over a minute remaining, but Milwaukee’s superstars took control in crunch time. Damian Lillard, who scored 28 points, tied the game with a three-pointer at 52 seconds.
Moments later, he delivered a go-ahead dunk that shifted the momentum firmly in the Bucks’ favor. Lillard sealed the game with two free throws after Suggs narrowly missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds.
Despite the loss, the Magic’s performance in this pivotal NBA Cup game proved they could compete with the NBA’s elite.
Key Stats Comparison
Orlando shot 44.1% from the field but struggled from three-point range, connecting on just 22.2% of their attempts.
The Bucks, by contrast, shot an efficient 54.5% overall and 36.7% from beyond the arc.
In the end, the Bucks’ efficient scoring, particularly in clutch moments, was the deciding factor in this Magic vs Bucks contest.
What’s Next for the Magic?
This loss in the NBA Cup serves as both a setback and a testament to the Magic’s potential. Suggs’ breakout performance reinforced his role as a cornerstone for the franchise, while players like Black and Bitadze showcased the team’s depth. With Banchero’s return on the horizon, the Magic have plenty to build on as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
The Orlando Magic’s journey is one of growth and promise. Their effort against the Bucks demonstrated that this young team is on the rise and that this won’t be the last time we see this team competing for glory in the league.
[…] would continue to step up to the task putting together a career-high 32 points on the road in Milwaukee for the quarterfinals of the NBA Eastern Conference Emirates Cup. Suggs finished the night scoring […]