Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 111-104 win over Orlando Magic

Frantic finish

A tip of the cap is deserved by Frank Vogel’s team. Entering the match as clear underdogs, the Magic were paced by effective scoring from promising young players Mario Hezonja (23 points) and Evan Fournier (20 points).

Despite Milwaukee’s clear efforts to ratchet up the defense in the second half, Orlando still put up 104 points, and were within striking distance down the stretch. Milwaukee led by as many as nine in the fourth, but could never truly pull away.

The game was closer then the final score suggests. The Magic pulled within two points on a Jonathon Simmons three-pointer with just under two minutes remaining. Khris Middleton (21 points on 8-of-13) answered with a jumper to bring the lead back to four.

The ensuing Magic possession included a missed three-pointer, an offensive rebound, and a missed layup. The Bucks finally regained possession with a minute to go, and Giannis hit a jump shot which initialized the process of putting the game on ice.

Antetokounmpo also logged five rebounds, five assists, a steal, and two blocks. Eric Bledsoe (18 points on 6-of-10, eight assists) was at his fiery best, and Middleton did more than just score, tossing in nine rebounds and seven assists.

It always bodes well when the Bucks receive strong performances from their core players. On this night, however, we’re about to go a little deeper into the roster to highlight two critical performances from the bench.