:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66278717/usa_today_14013492.0.jpg)
No one could accuse the Orlando Magic of rolling over in this one, but the Milwaukee Bucks still emerged with another road win over the East’s current 8th seed, 112-95. The Milwaukee Bucks took control in the first quarter, finding their way to a 30-24 advantage after the first period. By halftime, the Bucks had opened up a sizable lead, beating Orlando 63-46 behind balanced scoring from the entire starting lineup. Milwaukee had built up a massive advantage in the third, but Orlando ended the third on a 16-2 scoring run to keep it respectable by the start of the fourth at 84-71. The Magic never closed the gap considerably, but they kept it close enough that Bud left his starters out until nearly the bitter end despite taking the W as the fourth wound down.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had an uncharacteristically tough day from the field, going just 6-17 overall. Even without Jonathan Isaac, the Magic made it tough for him to finish inside, and he ended the day without a 3-point try. Still, he ended with a typically gaudy stat line of 19 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists.
Brook Lopez finally surpassed the 20+ point mark this season, getting hot from deep (5-5) and finishing with 23 points on 9-13 shooting overall Khris Middleton added a double-double with 21 points and 13 boards while Eric Bledsoe chipped in 18 points despite going 0-5 from deep. It was almost entirely up to the starters in this one, with Milwaukee’s bench managing just 19 points overall.
For Orlando, Nikola Vucevic characteristically led the way for Orlando, mustering 21 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz had 15 points, albeit on 18 shot attempts, while noted Bucks Killer Terrence Ross (who has been less lethal lately) poured in 20.
Stat that Stood Out
Orlando is not a team that chucks up threes at the volume Milwaukee typically would, they’re only 19th in terms of percentage of shots from deep compared to the Bucks ranked fifth, but they certainly took what the Bucks gave them today. However, their difficult day from deep, 10/40, 25%, in contrast to the Bucks 15-39 (39.5%), almost effectively makes up the Magic’s entire deficit in this game. Despite turning it over seven more times, and barely outscoring them in the paint, a heady day of shooting adds another victory to the ledger.