NBA 2018-19: Player Ratings - Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks; Antetokounmpo sits out; Isaac impresses; Middleton disappoints
The Orlando Magic traveled to the Fiserv Forum to play the Milwaukee Bucks in what was a really tough game for the Magic.
Match Details:
Milwaukee Bucks (41-14) 83-103 Orlando Magic (24-32)
The Orlando Magic managed to grab a big win over the Milwaukee Bucks in an away game. The Magic were handed an early boost, with Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out of the game due to a knee injury, and started off the game well, leading the Bucks in the 1st quarter, 20-19. The Magic managed to edge the Bucks out in all 4 quarters, including a big 39-30 2nd quarter, extending their lead to 10 points in the 1st half.
With Giannis sitting out, The Magic ran riot against the Bucks, who lacked an offensive juggernaut to lead the team. Jonathan Isaac led the Magic with 17 points off 7-12 shooting. He even had 2 blocks and enjoyed a superb game.
Nikola Vucevic and 6th Man of the Year contender Terrence Ross had 15 points each, with Vucevic making 7 of his 16 shot attempts and Ross making 6 of his 12 attempts. Vucevic managed a double-double as well, pulling down 17 boards in a superb game for the big man.
Aaron Gordon chipped in with 14 points on 6-15 shooting, suffering from foul trouble which capped his overall game. Isaiah Briscoe had a great contribution from the bench, playing more than starter DJ Augustin, scoring 9 points off 80% shooting and also providing a team high 7 assists.
It was a listless performance by the Bucks without Antetokounmpo, snapping their 6 game winning streak. The Bucks have the best record in the league this season, having lost just 2 games in their 14 matches, but were unable to continue their streak against a surging Magic, who led by as many as 25 in the fourth quarter.
The Bucks took an early 8-0 lead, but Orlando answered with a 20-4 run and held a 20-19 lead after the first quarter. Milwaukee shot just 30 percent in the period.
Eric Bledsoe led the Bucks in scoring, with 19 points off 7 shots in 13 attempts. He managed to grab his 2nd double-double in 3 games, with 11 rebounds in this one. Malcom Brogdon had 14 points in a very poor showing from the field, making just 4 of his 18 attempts. Khris Middleton, on his return, could not inspire the Bucks, scoring just 11 points off 4-17 shooting, capping a miserable night for the regular stars of the Bucks.
None of the players could get going from the field, including Brook Lopez, who scored just 9 points, making only 4 of his 12 shots in the blowout loss.
The Milwaukee Bucks need to get back to winning ways as they travel to Chicago to take on the Bulls in a game that the Bucks should win.
The Magic, on the other hand, travel to Atlanta to face the Hawks, looking to continue their solid run towards the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference.