Magic Losing Streak Over

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Orlando Magic kicked off their five-game road trip with a gritty 111-109 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, which ended a frustrating five-game losing streak in Orlando.
Cole Anthony, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner combined for nearly 70 points and were able to outlast a late Bucks rally led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. 

Key Injury Report Updates

Orlando had no new injuries coming into the game, but with Suggs out for the season with his recent surgery, this has been a tough stretch of basketball for the Magic.
On the other hand, the Bucks were without Gary Trent Jr. (knee) and Pat Connaughton (calf) for this contest, making this a much more even matchup for the two teams compared to the last time they met in January where Orlando was without Franz Wagner due to his oblique injury.

Banchero and Wagner Lead the Way

Paolo Banchero delivered a standout performance, dropping 29 points, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, while Franz Wagner added 18 points and 7 rebounds. Their scoring kept Orlando ahead for most of the game, building a lead as large as 15 points in the fourth quarter.
Cole Anthony was a huge spark piece off the bench, contributing 22 points and 9 assists, showcasing the Magic’s bench strength by giving Orlando a 26-14 scoring advantage over Milwaukee’s bench unit.

Orlando’s Shooting Rejuvenated

With this win, this gives Magic fans hope of what this Orlando offense can look like when firing on all cylinders. The Magic were able to connect on 51.2% of their field goals, including an incredible 37.5% from three, and 78.9% from the free throw line. 
This marks one of the best games for the Magic in their recent stretch of poor basketball of five straight losses at the Kia Center.

Bucks’ Late Comeback Falls Short

Giannis Antetokounmpo was a force for Milwaukee, finishing with 37 points and 11 rebounds, while Damian Lillard added 26 points.
The Bucks mounted a furious comeback in the final minutes, closing the gap to two points. However, a critical defensive stand by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who blocked a Lillard drive and secured a pivotal possession after a successful challenge by coach Jamahl Mosley, sealed the game.
Lillard’s buzzer-beating three-point attempt, contested by Wagner and Banchero, rimmed out, preserving Orlando’s lead.

Magic Defense Back on Track

The Magic’s defense stepped up when it mattered most, recording 5 blocks and forcing 12 Bucks turnovers.
Wendell Carter Jr. and Anthony Black also contributed defensively, helping Orlando withstand Milwaukee’s late surge despite the Bucks’ 54.7% field goal efficiency.

Four Road Games Ahead

This narrow victory provides a much-needed boost for the Magic, who had dropped their last three games by a combined five points. Orlando hopes to build momentum on their upcoming road games and swing themselves back into the playoff picture now sitting as the 8th seed in the East.
They will visit the Rockets next on Monday night to continue fueling this stretch of great offense.