Bucks Knock Out Magic, Advance to NBA Cup Semifinals

The Milwaukee Bucks are heading to the semifinals of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament after a commanding victory over the Orlando Magic in the knockout stage. In a thrilling matchup that highlighted the intensity of the new competition, the Bucks showcased why they are considered one of the league’s elite teams, defeating the Magic 112-102.

A Team Effort

Milwaukee’s victory was fueled by a collective effort, led by their superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP was unstoppable, finishing the game with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists. His dominant presence on both ends of the floor set the tone early, allowing the Bucks to build and maintain their lead.

Antetokounmpo received plenty of support from his teammates, including Damian Lillard, who added 26 points and 8 assists. Lillard’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc and ability to manage the game in clutch moments proved crucial in staving off a late-game surge by the Magic. Brook Lopez was also a key contributor, providing rim protection and scoring 15 points while anchoring the defense in the paint.

Orlando’s Resilient Effort

Despite the loss, the Magic showed why they are a rising force in the NBA. Franz Wagner led the charge with a team-high 28 points, showcasing his ability to score at all three levels. Paolo Banchero, the reigning Rookie of the Year, chipped in with 22 points and 9 rebounds, battling against Milwaukee’s physical frontcourt.

Orlando’s depth was on display as players like Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony made impactful plays, but the young team struggled to match the Bucks’ experience and firepower when it mattered most. Turnovers and inconsistent shooting proved to be their undoing, as Milwaukee capitalized on every mistake to maintain control of the game.

Key Moments in the Game

The Bucks set the tone early, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter behind Antetokounmpo’s aggressive drives and Lillard’s perimeter shooting. Orlando fought back in the second quarter, cutting the lead to single digits thanks to Wagner and Banchero’s scoring burst.

In the third quarter, Milwaukee’s defense tightened, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. Brook Lopez’s shot-blocking and Khris Middleton’s timely shooting helped the Bucks extend their lead to 15 points entering the final period.

The Magic made a spirited comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, with Wagner hitting a series of tough shots and Banchero drawing fouls to slow the game’s pace. However, Antetokounmpo’s relentless attacks in the paint and Lillard’s composure in crunch time sealed the win for Milwaukee.

What’s Next for the Bucks?

With the victory, the Bucks move one step closer to claiming the NBA Cup, a new trophy introduced this season to add excitement and stakes to the regular season. The tournament, which features group play and a knockout stage, has brought a playoff-like atmosphere to mid-season games.

Milwaukee will face a tougher challenge in the semifinals, where they are set to meet the winner of the matchup between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. The Bucks are likely to rely on their veteran core and the dynamic duo of Antetokounmpo and Lillard to carry them forward.

For the Bucks, the tournament offers a chance to build momentum for the rest of the regular season. Head coach Adrian Griffin praised his team’s focus and intensity in the postgame press conference. “We approached this game like it was a playoff matchup,” Griffin said. “The guys were locked in, and that’s the kind of energy we’ll need going forward.”

Orlando’s Takeaways

While the Magic’s tournament run ends here, their performance in the NBA Cup has been a valuable experience for the young team. Head coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the growth his players have shown throughout the competition. “We’re proud of how we competed,” Mosley said. “This is just the beginning for this group.”

The Magic’s core of Wagner, Banchero, and Suggs has shown promise, and their ability to challenge a team of Milwaukee’s caliber bodes well for their future. As they shift their focus back to the regular season, Orlando will look to build on the lessons learned from this game and continue their push for a playoff spot.

A Thrilling Start to the NBA Cup

The Bucks’ victory over the Magic underscores the excitement of the NBA In-Season Tournament. With high stakes and intense competition, the new format has injected fresh energy into the league. As Milwaukee prepares for their semifinal clash, fans can expect more thrilling games and memorable moments in this groundbreaking event.