Rapid Recap: Bucks 102, Magic 86

As the Milwaukee Bucks closed out the regular season game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, they could rest well knowing that they finished its history with a fittingly ugly win against the Orlando Magic, 102-86. The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off their final first quarter in the BMO by snagging a 31-21 lead when the period concluded against the Magic. Heading into halftime, the Bucks let Orlando back into it but still had a 45-42 advantage. Milwaukee went on a rapid scoring spree to finish the third quarter ahead 74-67. Orlando made a small push midway through the fourth, but their will broke quickly and the Bucks finished this one out with a win.

On a night when Miami lost, giving the Bucks pole position to retain their pick in this year’s draft, it was pivotal Milwaukee find a way to win even without their star. A role player stepping up won’t make a huge difference or memory in the annals of Bucks history, but Shabazz Muhammad’s hot night means Milwaukee could very well have a shot to add one more player this offseason with a first round pick. Those sorts of contributions should not be forgotten.

For the second straight game, Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out, cited by Prunty as not being strong enough to do what he typically does on the court. No word yet on whether he will be available for Wednesday’s pivotal game against the Sixers.

Surprisingly, Shabazz Muhammad was the primary scorer tonight for the Bucks, properly sending off the BMO with 22 points, eight rebounds and an obscure role player playing hero. Eric Bledsoe didn’t shoot nearly as well, but he did notch a triple-double at 20 points, 11 assists and 12 rebounds. Jabari Parker and Khris Middleton combined for 34 points.

Nikola Vucevic was the star for Orlando tonight, finishing with 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. His backup, Bismack Biyombo, equally pummeled the Bucks inside with a night ending at 14 points and six rebounds. D.J. Augustin was held to just seven points for the game.

Stat that Stood Out

24 fast break points - The Bucks hurried the ball up the court time and again versus the listless Magic tonight, able to nearly double up Orlando’s overall mark in the category. Orlando seemed uninterested in getting back tonight and the Bucks took complete advantage of their tanking ways.