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Orlando Magic Grades: Milwaukee Bucks 110, Orlando Magic 103

By Philip Rossman-Reich

MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 10: Sterling Brown #23 of the Milwaukee Bucks knocks the ball away from Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic during the second half of a game at the Bradley Center on January 10, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 10: Sterling Brown #23 of the Milwaukee Bucks knocks the ball away from Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic during the second half of a game at the Bradley Center on January 10, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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A poor third quarter once again doomed the Orlando Magic as the Milwaukee Bucks tightened the screws defensively and frustrated the Magic again.

The Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks exchanged blows, both succeeding and struggling on offense at the same time. Aaron Gordon was standing up to Giannis Antetokounmpo, getting him in foul trouble in the first half. The Magic were playing with the spirit and energy they needed. This one might be a fight.

Slowly the grip loosened. The Bucks started to pull away. In the final moments of the second quarter, a three-point lead became seven. And then extended out to 11. Bismack Biyombo fouled Khris Middleton on a jumper with a foul to give, allowing the Bucks to take a seven-point lead into the locker room.

The momentum was getting away.

And then the third quarter. That dastardly third quarter. The bane of the Magic’s existence. Where the team’s energy goes to die and the deficit balloons.

The Bucks ran past the Magic in the third quarter yet again, scoring 36 points on 16-for-20 shooting, in a deceptively close 110-103 win at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Wednesday. Only a late rally from the Magic’s deep reserves made the score look close. This was a game and a second half the Bucks dominated through and through.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored at will in the third quarter on his way to 26 points, holding Aaron Gordon down on the other end. He scored just 11 points, missing his final 11 shots on a 4-for-18 night.

The Bucks, usually a poor defensive team, stifled the Magic. Milwaukee kept Orlando from moving the ball effectively. That is when the Magic actually were able to initiate their sets. Their half-court offense was stagnant.

Orlando needed to get the ball moving and still tallied 26 assists on 39 field goal makes. But too often, the team’s initial attacks were stopped and the team looked lost on where to go. There were too many contested jumpers in the half court and uninspiring sets. The Magic were trying to go one on one too much. Against Milwaukee’s length, that is always a problem.

Credit to the Magic’s bench players like Mario Hezonja, Shelvin Mack, Wesley Iwundu and starter Bismack Biyombo. They made the game close with some energy and transition opportunities late. But the Magic continue to play like the worst team in the league.

Watching these games, it is hard to argue.

C-. Aaron Gordon certainly seemed eager for the challenge to play against Giannis Antetokounmpo. His energy on both ends of the floor was very good. And he made Antetokounmpo work early on in the game. Gordon took advantage of his early foul trouble and scored 10 points on 4-for-7 shooting in the first quarter.<p>The rest of his game? That was a complete disaster. Antetokounmpo showed how far Gordon has to go to grow into a star player. This is one for Gordon to forget.</p><p>He finished with just 11 points, missing his final 11 shots to go 4 for 18. He was shooting off balance and trying too hard to work in isolation. Some of that is the Magic were not able to get out in transition. But Gordon was trying too hard to do things by himself. That is his big weakness offensively. He just is not that player, no matter how much he wants to be.</p>. PF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

C+. <a href=. SF. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

B. <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA

C. Orlando Magic. BISMACK BIYOMBO. B-. Bismack Biyombo has a relatively simple role for the Orlando Magic. They need him to defend, rebound and not be too big of a detriment offensively. Any offense they get form him is a bonus. So if he can be a presence in the paint, he is doing something right.<p>Biyombo was not dominant defensively. He was not a big shot blocker and found himself a hair late a lot of time on rotations to challenge attacks at the rim. Biyombo did not have that rhythm.</p><p>But he was active around the basket on offense. He kept rebounds alive for offensive opportunities and finished around the basket. A rarity for him. Finishing with 14 points and nine rebounds is a solid night of work for Biyombo.</p>

B+. Good teams are figuring out what to do with the Orlando Magic. They kind of feel them out through the first half and then put the screws on in the second half. Coach <a href=. 22-18. 6th East. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Next: Orlando Magic not tough enough

The Orlando Magic finish their road trip in Washington against the Washington Wizards on Friday.