The Milwaukee Bucks led by Giannis Antetokounmpo faced a tough contest against a scrappy Orlando Magic team that was once considered a below average team. The Magic struggled early but quickly got it together in order to keep the game close with the help of Mo and Franz Wagner.
The Bucks starters did not get much rest tonight as they scored 95 of the team’s total 118 points. Giannis and Lillard together combined for 61 points and showed just how dangerous this duo can be together.
Giannis With Another Big Night, Doing Everything He Can to Get the Bucks the Win
Giannis scores 37 points and was dominant in nearly every aspect of his game.Defensively, Giannis was a nightmare to go up against, swatting anything that came near.
Antetokounmpo’s IQ was on display as he cut off a driving Mo Wagner and forced him to pick up his dribble. Plays like these are underrated aspects of Giannis’ game that truly show how great of a perimeter defender he has been.
Giannis had a tough matchup in Jonathan Isaac, an above average defender. Throughout the game Isaac had multiple defensive stops on Giannis including 3 blocks. Following 1 block, Giannis got his revenge with a powerful posterizing slam.
Damian Lillard’s Productive Night from Beyond the Arch Gives the Bucks Momentum
Lillard struggled from the field tonight, shooting only 29% from there but he shot 50% from deep range. Late in the fourth quarter, he drew a key foul on one of his three point attempts. Gary Harris closed out too much and didn’t leave enough space for Lillard to land.
He knocked down all ten attempts of his from the free throw line. When the Bucks were in the bonus and the Magic needed to intentionally foul, they were looking to foul anyone but Lillard, because they just knew he would hit every shot he took from the charity stripe and give them the “Dame Time” look as he points to his wrist. Lillard finished with 24 points, serving as the key facilitator with 8 assists.
Khris Middleton Knocks Down His 1300th Career 3 Pointer for the Bucks
Middleton further increased his all time 3 pointers made for the team as he continues to hold the franchise record. Middleton was matched up against the Sophomore Phenom Paolo Banchero and took full advantage of that by pulling up from mid range in area’s that are difficult for the 6’10 Forward to guard.
Early in the game, Middleton heaved a full court pass to Giannis that helped give the Bucks more momentum. Throughout the game, Middleton made the defense pay on open looks, finishing the game with 14 points.
The Bucks next game is at Madison Square Garden against the Jalen Brunson-led New York Knicks, they look to build off this win as they try take over the one seed from the Boston Celtics.
