The Milwaukee Bucks rode a dominating first quarter on Wednesday to cruise to a comfortable win against the Orlando Magic. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. won the opening 12 minutes 34-16 and never looked back. The Bucks defense stifled the injury-plagued visitors, who relied solely on Paolo Banchero to carry them.
Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard combined for 56 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis came off the bench to contribute 14 points apiece.
Banchero finished the game with 22 points, but shot 8-for-20, including 2-for-7 from deep. Orlando's 12-for-46 shooting behind the arc was a huge reason for their offensive woes.
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Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks player stats and box score
Orlando Magic player stats and box score
Milwaukee Bucks player stats and box score
Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat Game Summary
The Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks met on Wednesday, their third of four meetings this season. Orlando, 0-2 in the head-to-head matchup, hoped to break through despite playing without Franz Wagner, Mo Wagner and Garry Harris.
Orlando’s goal of pulling off an upset got off to a rough start. They missed open shots and executed poorly on defense to allow the home team to take a 34-16 first-quarter lead. Milwaukee trapped Paolo Banchero almost every time the Magic star had the ball.
Damian Lillard led the Bucks in the opening period with 11 points and two assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo added seven points and three assists in the hosts’ dominant start.
The Magic played much better in the second quarter but lost the period 28-25. Banchero, Cole Anthony and Wendell Carter Jr. made the visitors more competitive. Still, Orlando trailed 62-41 at halftime.
The Magic continued to make the game a seesaw battle in the third quarter but still allowed the Bucks to win 30-27. Paolo Banchero desperately tried to keep his team within striking distance but received little help from his supporting cast. Orlando couldn’t slow down the Bucks’ balanced attack behind Damian Lillard. The Magic faced a 92-68 deficit entering the fourth quarter.
The Bucks comfortably marched to the finish line in the final 12 minutes. Milwaukee’s defense kept the Magic from mounting rallies. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley raised the white flag with roughly four minutes left in the game.
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