Bucks Narrowly Edge Magic in Thrilling Clash—What’s Happen?

The Milwaukee Bucks secured a hard-fought victory over the Orlando Magic, winning 114-109 on Tuesday night to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the charge with 37 points, while Damian Lillard contributed 28 points, including nine in the final minute. This victory marks Milwaukee’s return to the semifinals after reaching the same stage in last year’s in-season tournament.

Bucks’ Strong Performance in Clutch Moments

The Bucks’ win came down to key plays in the closing moments. Lillard, who was crucial throughout the game, made two free throws with 9.1 seconds left, extending Milwaukee’s lead. Jalen Suggs of the Magic had a chance to tie the game with a 3-pointer, but his attempt missed the mark. Antetokounmpo sealed the win for Milwaukee, making both of his free throws with just five seconds remaining, ensuring the Bucks’ victory and their spot in the semifinals.

Orlando’s Struggles Despite Strong Individual Performance

Orlando’s Jalen Suggs had an impressive night, scoring 32 points and leading a short-handed Magic team. However, without key players like Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, Franz Wagner, and Gary Harris, Orlando struggled in the final moments. Suggs missed a potential go-ahead three-pointer, and the Magic couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities in the clutch.

The Magic’s bench played a significant role in the first half, scoring 28 points. Moritz Wagner contributed 13 points, while Anthony Black added 10. However, Wagner’s scoring slowed down in the second half, and Orlando could not overcome the deficit.

Key Contributions for the Bucks

Bobby Portis was instrumental in the Bucks’ comeback. After falling behind by 11 points early, Portis helped Milwaukee erase the deficit with an impressive first-half performance, hitting his first seven shots. He finished the game with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Khris Middleton also played a crucial role, dishing out three consecutive assists during a key 11-0 run that gave the Bucks a 78-70 lead. While Middleton didn’t score, he was effective in facilitating the offense with eight assists.

Antetokounmpo’s Historic Streak

Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his remarkable start to the season by extending his streak of 20 or more points on 50% shooting to 22 consecutive games. This is the longest streak to begin a season in NBA history and the third-longest streak at any point in a season. He finished the game with 37 points, going 15 of 24 from the field, showcasing his dominance on both ends of the court.

What’s Next for the Bucks?

With this win, the Bucks move on to the semifinals of the NBA Cup in Las Vegas, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. The Bucks, now the only returning team in the tournament’s second year, are looking to make another deep run and potentially capture the title.

Takeaways

– Magic: Despite the loss, Orlando showed resilience, especially from their bench in the first half. However, without key starters, the Magic struggled to maintain their momentum. Suggs’ strong performance couldn’t quite push the team to victory in the final moments.

– Bucks: The Bucks’ ability to close out the game was key. Portis’ scoring, Middleton’s playmaking, and Antetokounmpo’s all-around brilliance were pivotal in overcoming a slow start. With their core players stepping up, the Bucks look poised for a deep run in the tournament.