MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominant performance, secured their sixth straight win by defeating the Orlando Magic 118-114 on Thursday night at the Fiserv Forum. This victory marked their longest single-season home winning streak since the 1991-92 season, highlighting a remarkable period of success on their home court.
Antetokounmpo, the cornerstone of the Bucks’ success, tallied an impressive 37 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Damian Lillard complemented Antetokounmpo’s efforts with 24 points and eight assists, acknowledging the team’s upward trend and their improving defense and offense.
As the Bucks prepare to embark on a four-game road trip, starting in New York on Saturday, Antetokounmpo reflected on the team’s enjoyment of their time at home, emphasizing how winning has positively impacted their practices and time spent together.
Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez each added 14 points, contributing to Milwaukee’s balanced attack.
The Magic, despite a strong effort, fell short, extending their losing streak to four games. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 29 points, followed by Paolo Banchero with 23 and Moe Wagner with 21. Cole Anthony added a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team’s hard play and poise, acknowledging the challenge of facing the Bucks’ star players in crucial moments.
Orlando dominated in the paint with a 60-40 edge but struggled from beyond the arc, continuing a slump in their long-range shooting. This weakness was evident as they only converted 8 of their 33 three-point attempts.
The Bucks initially surged ahead with Antetokounmpo’s early onslaught, building an 11-2 lead. Orlando, however, rallied back, cutting Milwaukee’s lead to just two points in the final quarter on a three-pointer by Franz Wagner.
Following Orlando’s comeback, the Bucks responded with a critical 9-2 run, initiated by Lopez off an assist from Malik Beasley. Despite the Magic reducing the deficit to five in the last two minutes, they couldn’t bridge the gap, with Gary Harris hitting a late three-pointer to bring the final score closer.
Orlando was handicapped by the absence of Jalen Suggs and Joe Ingles due to injuries.
Looking forward, the Magic will face Indiana on Saturday night, while the Bucks take their winning momentum to New York.
