Orlando Magic Grades: Milwaukee Bucks 113, Orlando Magic 110
The Orlando Magic came up a play short against the Milwaukee Bucks but saw another strong performance from Nikola Vucevic to bolster the lineup.
113. 89. 110. 38. Final
Evan Fournier would be at the center of three key plays for the Orlando Magic late in their 113-110 loss at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Friday.
After Nikola Vucevic blocked a Giannis Antetokounmpo layup, Evan Fournier dug in and got a jump ball against him. That is a jump ball he had no hope of winning, he just needed a teammate to dig out the tip.
Jabari Parker was the one who got it. He posted up Vucevic and drove past him to lay it in and give the Bucks a one-point lead.
Fournier would then get his chance. Coming around a screen he got the ball and drove the lane. Khris Middleton was there waiting and Fournier saw him a bit too late. His drop-down pass to Victor Oladipo came after Middleton drew a charge.
The Bucks took a three-point lead after two free throws and Fournier’s last-second 3-pointer over Mason Plumlee was off the back iron. The Magic came up a play short and were left wondering where things went wrong again.
Was it the Bucks’ length and ability to close passing lanes and pressure the Magic’s resurgent motion offense? Was it the Magic’s inability to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker and the Bucks’ other drivers into the paint? Was it the Magic going tight once again in the clutch, reverting to pick and rolls and isolations rather than the motion? Again, more questions to ponder.
C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. B+. <p>Nikola Vucevic should reclaim his role in the starting lineup after another strong scoring performance off the bench. Sitting out some time after straining his groin has rejuvenated him some as he continues to knock off some rust.</p><p>Vucevic scored a team-high 22 points on 10-for-13 shooting. He was doing a good job just finding his offense. He did not force too much or take too many ill-advised mid-range jumpers. He was hitting turnaround jumpers over <strong><a href=
C. <p>Evan Fournier was put squarely in the spotlight this game with his two plays at the critical moments. He got the ball with the Orlando Magic down one and drove the basket somewhat recklessly, getting called for a charge before he could drop a pass off to Victor Oladipo underneath the basket. He then missed a long 3-pointer with the chance to tie and 3.8 seconds left.</p><p>That was the kind of game Fournier was having. He just struggled mightily with the Milwaukee Bucks’ length that was on him throughout the game. The driving lanes were few and his shot was not falling. Fournier scored 14 points on 6-for-14 shooting, making just one of his seven 3-point attempts. That does mean he went 5 for 7 on two-pointers. A small solace perhaps.</p><p>Fournier’s real weakness was on defense. He struggled containing Giannis Antetokounmpo with the initial call on the wunderkind point forward. Antetokounmpo recorded a triple double and got through the lane with ease as the Bucks were nearly unstoppable all game.</p>. SF. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER
SF. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA. B+. <p>It is easy to look at <strong><a href=
C. Orlando Magic. DEWAYNE DEDMON. D. <p><strong><a href=
11th East. MILWAUKEE BUCKS. B+. <p>The Milwaukee Bucks were playing at their absolutely fun best. They were not playing the slow-paced game they have sometimes fallen into throughout this season, but pushed the pace every time they picked up a turnover. They used their length to corral and pester the Magic throughout. It is no coincidence Orlando committed 20 turnovers.</p><p>Giannis Antetokounmpo was particularly stellar with his triple double of 18 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. He got into the lane whenever he wanted until the Magic put <strong><a href=. 32-44