Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard powered the Milwaukee Bucks to a 114-109 victory over the Orlando Magic, securing a spot in the NBA Cup semifinals. The duo combined for 65 points, with Antetokounmpo delivering 37 and Lillard contributing 28, including nine crucial points in the final minute.
This marks the second consecutive year Milwaukee will compete in the in-season tournament semifinals in Las Vegas. They will face the winner of Wednesday’s game between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks.
Orlando, playing without key starters Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jonathan Isaac due to injuries, put up a valiant effort. Jalen Suggs led the Magic with 32 points but missed a potential game-changing three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining. Lillard sealed the game with two free throws, and Antetokounmpo added two more to secure the win.
The Bucks overcame an early 11-point deficit thanks to Bobby Portis, who scored 16 of his 22 points in the first half. Portis also grabbed 10 rebounds, providing crucial support off the bench. Khris Middleton, while scoreless, dished out eight assists, sparking an 11-0 run in the third quarter.
Antetokounmpo 15-of-24 from the field and added seven rebounds, one assist, and two steals. Lillard’s efficiency at the free-throw line, where he went 10-of-10, proved instrumental in closing the game.
The Magic’s bench contributed 40 points, led by Anthony Black’s 17 and Moritz Wagner’s 13, but the second-half offensive output faltered. Wagner, who scored all his points in the first half, was held scoreless after the break.
Defensively, Milwaukee’s size and experience played a key role. Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis anchored the interior, while Antetokounmpo’s versatility allowed the Bucks to switch effectively on the perimeter. Despite their efforts, Orlando’s Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze dominated the boards, combining for 25 rebounds.
Orlando, currently 17-10 and sitting higher in the Eastern Conference standings than Milwaukee (13-11), will look to bounce back as their injured players recover.
Milwaukee now turns its focus to Saturday’s semifinal, where they aim to advance to the NBA Cup final for the first time. With Antetokounmpo and Lillard hitting their stride, the Bucks are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
