Paolo Banchero scored 29 points as the Orlando Magic edged the Milwaukee Bucks 111-109 on Saturday, snapping a five-game losing streak. Cole Anthony contributed 22 points off the bench, helping Orlando (30-35) secure a much-needed win and halt Milwaukee’s (36-26) four-game winning run.
The Magic built an early lead and held a 95-80 advantage with under nine minutes remaining before the Bucks mounted a comeback. Milwaukee had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Damian Lillard’s contested three-pointer missed, sealing Orlando’s victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered 37 points and 11 rebounds for Milwaukee, which lost for just the second time in its last 10 games. Lillard added 26 points but shot 9-of-18 from the field.
Orlando’s bench provided a crucial spark, outscoring Milwaukee’s reserves 26-14, with Anthony Black chipping in 11 points. The Magic also found redemption after dropping three consecutive games by a combined five points.
Milwaukee trailed 109-106 when Lillard drove into the lane but had his shot blocked by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The initial call granted possession to the Bucks, but a replay review overturned it in favor of Orlando. Moments later, Anthony found Caldwell-Pope for a dunk that extended the lead to 111-106 with 25.9 seconds left.
The Bucks had one last opportunity following a Magic turnover with 6.6 seconds remaining. AJ Green inbounded the ball to Lillard, but his deep three-pointer, contested by Franz Wagner and Banchero, fell short.
Wagner finished with 18 points and seven assists, while Caldwell-Pope added nine points and a key defensive presence. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed seven points and four rebounds in 31 minutes.
Milwaukee shot 54.7% from the field and 47.8% from three-point range, but 12 turnovers and a lack of bench production proved costly. Kevin Porter Jr. was the Bucks’ top reserve scorer with 12 points.
