Magic Extend Win Streak to Four, Defeat Bucks as Antetokounmpo Rests
The Orlando Magic continued their impressive form with a dominant 130-91 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, securing their fourth consecutive win. The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was rested in the second game of a back-to-back.
Banchero Leads the Way for Orlando
Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 33 points, spearheading the Magic’s offensive attack. Jalen Suggs contributed 20 points, and Desmond Bane added 18 for Orlando, who now sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, one game behind Toronto and percentage points ahead of Miami [NBA.com].
Bucks Struggle Without Antetokounmpo
Without Antetokounmpo, who has played in only three games since returning from a 15-game absence due to a right calf strain [CBS Sports], the Bucks struggled to preserve pace with the Magic. Bobby Portis led Milwaukee with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Cam Thomas scored 17. The Bucks have now lost five of their last six games.
Game Highlights
Orlando never trailed in the game, leading 67-55 at halftime. Early in the fourth quarter, Suggs hit a 3-pointer to spark a 12-0 run, extending the Magic’s lead to 26 points. Banchero finished with 33 points and rested for the majority of the fourth quarter with Orlando comfortably ahead by 31 points.
Looking Ahead
The Magic will next host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The Bucks will return to action on Tuesday, hosting the Phoenix Suns [NBA.com].
Bucks’ Playoff Outlook Diminishes
The loss further complicates the Bucks’ playoff chances. They are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference, 4.5 games behind 10th-place Charlotte, and face a challenging path to even reach the play-in tournament with 19 games remaining [CBS Sports]. Milwaukee was likewise without second-leading scorer Kevin Porter Jr. Due to swelling in his right knee.
Other Notable Performances
Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannis’ older brother, played a season-high 9 minutes and scored four points. Orlando’s Tristan da Silva had five points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Moritz Wagner recorded three points and nine rebounds [JSONline].