Home Basketball Antetokounmpo’s 37-Point Performance Propels Bucks to 6th Consecutive Victory, Defeating Magic 118-114

Antetokounmpo’s 37-Point Performance Propels Bucks to 6th Consecutive Victory, Defeating Magic 118-114

Basketball — 12/22/2023

The Milwaukee Bucks won their sixth straight game on Thursday night, defeating the Orlando Magic 118-114 behind 37 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists from Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks have won 15 straight games at Fiserv Forum after going undefeated during their six-game homestand to start the season. The Bucks haven’t had as many home victories in a season since they won their first eighteen games at home in 1991–1992.

Antetokounmpo scores 37 as Bucks beat Magic 118-114 for 6th straight victory - The San Diego Union-Tribune

For Milwaukee, Damian Lillard scored 24 points on 5 of 17 shots and dished out 8 assists. Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton each contributed 14 points.

Franz Wagner led the Magic, who have dropped their last four games, with 29 points. Moe Wagner scored 21 points, and Paolo Banchero scored 23. Cole Anthony chipped in with 10 rebounds and 18 points.

Despite having a 60–40 advantage in the paint, Orlando’s shooting woes continued as it only made 8 of 33 3-pointers. The Magic lost 115-106 at home to Miami on Wednesday after shooting 9 of 36 from beyond the arc.

Streaking Bucks continue home domination in dispatching Magic

In the Bucks’ 132-119 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double and scored a season-low 11 points. On Thursday, he scored nine points in the opening 2 1/2 minutes, aiding in the team’s 11-2 advantage.

Milwaukee regained the lead for good midway in the second quarter, but Orlando drew ahead late in the first and increased their lead to nine early in the second.

With 9:02 remaining in the game, Franz Wagner’s 3-pointer gave the Magic a 93-91 lead against Milwaukee, after they had fallen behind 80-65 halfway through the third quarter.

Giannis, Damian Lillard lead Bucks past Magic at Fiserv Forum

Orlando had two opportunities with the opportunity to take the lead or tie the game, but they were unable to score. After that, Lopez scored after Malik Beasley passed to him, sparking a 9-2 run.

With two minutes remaining, the Magic cut the lead back to five points, but they were unable to go any closer until Gary Harris made a three-pointer in the closing seconds.

Joe Ingles was absent from Orlando due to a sprained left ankle, and Jalen Suggs was absent due to a sprained left wrist.