The Milwaukee Bucks picked up a 121-99 victory over the Orlando Magic Monday night, and let us discuss some takeaways from the contest.
Following their five-game homestand, the Milwaukee Bucks traveled south to take on the Orlando Magic in a rematch of their Eastern Conference first round series last season.
Both teams entered the game with a 6-4 record, and many predicted that the recent playoff history between these two could add to the intensity of this game. They were not too far off, as these two teams picked up right where they left off in a thrilling matchup of conference rivals from start to finish.
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However, it was the Bucks that secured the 121-99 victory by the final buzzer Monday night. Although the final score dictates that this matchup was a blowout, that is far from the case.
With that in mind, here are three takeaways from Monday’s game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic.
Takeaway No 3. – Bryn Forbes still looking for consistency
The Bucks are undoubtedly happy that they snagged Bryn Forbes in free agency over the offseason, and games like Monday night show why. Forbes played fantastic off the bench as he finished with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc, in approximately 17 minutes during Milwaukee’s win over the Magic.
Games like this show the potential that Forbes possesses for this team, but he has not been able to sustain it consistently to this point. In fact, in the two games before Monday night, the sharpshooter had scored just two points on 1-of-8 shooting, including 0-of-6 from 3-point range.
With a reputation as a shooter, Forbes is someone that the Bucks will be reliant on to space the floor off the bench, particularly because of his evolving chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo. Hopefully, this game can create some momentum for the guard, and he can start knocking down his shots at a more consistent rate. If so, Bryn Forbes could certainly be an X-factor for this team because of that sweet shooting stroke he possesses.
Takeaway No. 2 – Bucks flip the switch in the fourth quarter
Through three quarters, this was a tight matchup with the Bucks leading the Magic 86-82. Orlando was going toe-to-toe with Milwaukee, and it seemed like this game would go down to the wire heading into the fourth quarter of action. However, it was the complete opposite as the Bucks dominated in the final 12 minutes and never looked back.
Milwaukee came out with a newfound sense of life, having outscored Orlando 35-17 in the final period to seal their 22-point victory. The Bucks certainly know how to keep fans on the edge of their seats, but it was relieving to see them come together as a unit and secure this victory when they had slipped in their control of the contest.
Part of what propelled Milwaukee’s big fourth-quarter run was how they limited Orlando’s frontcourt, who had been fantastic to that point.
Heading into the final period, Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon had a combined 43 points and they got everything they wanted offensively against the Bucks. However, in the final period, the Bucks did their part to limit these two, and it worked. The two scored a combined six points on 3-of-8 shooting in the final period while they logged four turnovers.
It was nerve-inducing for the first three quarters, but the Bucks made sure to flip the switch when it mattered most to pull away in the fourth quarter.
Takeaway No. 1 – The Bobby Portis show continues
Bobby Portis has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Bucks through 11 games, and he notched his best performance of the season Monday night against the Orlando Magic.
In 24 minutes off the bench, Portis provided a much-needed spark offensively with a season-best 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. The big man showed off his range as well, connecting on two of his three attempts from the perimeter.
Portis was a key factor in Milwaukee’s 22-point victory, particularly with Brook Lopez struggling mightily on the night offensively. Lopez could hardly throw a rock in the ocean as he scored just six points on 2-of-6 shooting. Still, that did not deter the Bucks as Portis proved that he could step up and contribute substantially in the frontcourt when the team needed him the most.
Another free agent acquisition for the Bucks this offseason, Portis continues to make an immeasurable impact on a nightly basis. Along with the high intensity that he brings each time he steps on the court, the big man continues showing that he can provide a solid scoring bench off Milwaukee’s bench.
Portis has scored in double-figures in all but two contests this season as he continues to elevate his early fan-favorite status in Milwaukee. The 25-year-old will be a crucial part of the team’s success this season, and hopefully, performances like these are just the beginning.
The Bucks will wrap up their mini road swing Wednesday night when they visit the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesar’s Arena.