Giannis Antetokounmpo spearheaded the Milwaukee Bucks to their sixth straight victory, a 118-114 win over the Orlando Magic, with a stellar performance of 37 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists on Thursday night’s NBA slate.
This victory at Fiserv Forum marks the end of the season’s longest homestand for the Bucks, who are now set to take their winning form on the road. Milwaukee has been unstoppable at home, racking up 15 consecutive wins, their most prolonged single-season home winning streak since the 1991-92 season.
“I think we’re trending upwards,” Lillard said. “I think defensively we’re still having some miscommunications, maybe some mistakes, but I think we’re defending a lot better than we had been starting the season.
” I think offensively we’re finding ourselves, sort of establishing how we’re going to play and how it works for everybody. It’s still not perfect on either end, but we’re finding a way to win games,” Lillard explained.
Looking ahead, the Bucks will embark on a challenging four-game road trip, starting in New York on Saturday. Antetokounmpo reflected on the team’s successful homestand and its positive impact on practices and family time.
“We were able to enjoy our time at home,” Antetokounmpo said. “Obviously, winning makes you more happy. You’re able to enjoy your time more, practices, too, and the time you spend with your family.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic Updates
Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez each added 14 points to bolster Milwaukee’s effort against Orlando. Despite a valiant effort, the Magic couldn’t overcome the Bucks’ robust performance. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 29 points, supported by Paolo Banchero with 23 points and Moe Wagner with 21. Cole Anthony contributed a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
“The Bucks have two big-time players who made big-time plays down the stretch,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “Our guys played hard. They played together. They played with poise, all the things we’re asking a team that’s growing and getting better to do.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic Updates
Despite their persistence, the Magic struggled from beyond the arc, continuing a trend from their previous game. Even after narrowing the Bucks’ lead to two points in the fourth quarter, Orlando couldn’t capitalize on crucial possessions. A decisive 9-2 run by the Bucks, initiated by a Lopez score from Malik Beasley’s pass, widened the gap again.
Orlando, missing key players Jalen Suggs and Joe Ingles due to injuries, showed resilience but fell short in the closing minutes.
The Magic are scheduled to play against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, while the Bucks face a significant test against the New York Knicks on the same day.
