Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Grades: Milwaukee Bucks 111, Orlando Magic 104

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL -FEBRUARY 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic on February 10 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL -FEBRUARY 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic on February 10 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Orlando Magic were more than game, but could not stop Giannis Antetokounmpo or take the lid off the rim in seeing their win streak snapped.

The Orlando Magic were fighting, trying to break that seal that had founds its way over the basket. The team was chasing the lead in the fourth quarter, but never let the Milwaukee Bucks out of their sights. The Magic were feisty, searching for their first four-game win streak since December 2015.

The ball just would not cooperate.

After Evan Fournier‘s breakaway layup cut the lead to three points, the Magic could not secure the stops they needed to climb back. Nor could they get the shots to fall.

On one telling possession, with the Magic down by three points, Evan Fournier drove the lane and waited that extra beat to draw the defense in. He dished it out to Mario Hezonja on the wing. But Giannis Antetokounmpo closed quickly. Mario Hezonja had to side step to get open and take a more difficult 3-pointer.

It went no good, but the Magic got the rebound. Jonathon Simmons got the ball and attacked, getting all the way to the basket. But his shot would not go in either.

That was the kind of night the Magic were having. The Bucks held on for a 111-104 victory at the Amway Center on Saturday, snapping the Magic’s three-game win streak.

Orlando shot just 44.6 percent from the floor and an icy 8 for 30 from beyond the arc. It was hard for the Magic to find scoring in long stretches of the game. The Bucks took control in the third quarter and seemed able to keep their distance after a back-and-forth first half.

Milwaukee used a steady diet of Giannis Antetokounmpo and a surprise lift off the bench from Jason Terry — with his three 3-pointers — to pace the team to a victory. The Bucks shot 52.4 percent from the floor.

Orlando never really had an answer for Antetokounmpo, lacking a player with his athleticism and length. He dominated the game with 32 points, five rebounds and five assists. But the Magic had a tough time defensively throughout. Their communication not as tight.

And the Bucks seemingly found their shots whenever they needed to and stopped every run the Magic tried to make.

B. Mario Hezonja continues to come into his own. There is no denying that. He is shooting with confidence and attacking effectively and efficiently. His offensive game has come into its own. The development has been a nice surprise and something that continues to come forward.<p>Hezonja had another strong scoring performance, scoring 23 points on 8-for-16 shooting. He was solid throughout the game attacking, especially. And added three steals for good measure. Hezonja had moments of pure brilliance on the ball.</p><p>Defensively, he still has a long way to go. Although the cover in this one was a bit beyond his ability. Mario Hezonja had the main cover on Giannis Antetokounmpo and it was clear he was a bit outmatched. On top of that, Hezonja’s shot selection was sometimes suspect. He did not force any drives, but he took some ill-advised threes. Even late. The confidence is good, but he still has to play under control.</p>. F. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA

A. <a href=. G. Orlando Magic. SHELVIN MACK

EVAN FOURNIER. B-. Evan Fournier got himself going a lot better offensively than he has of late. The inconsistency in his shot of late has been one of the bigger concerns, even as the Magic continue to win. Saturday, Fournier was solid, waiting patiently for his shot opportunities to come. He created well for himself and took what the defense gave him.<p>He finished with 20 points on 8-for-15 shooting, making two of his five 3-pointers. This felt like a typical Fournier offensive game. He played patiently and did not have to create much. He took what the defense gave him overall.</p><p>Defensively, though, he struggled again with <a rel=. G/F. Orlando Magic

B-. <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. KHEM BIRCH

B. The Milwaukee Bucks are trying to rediscover their defensive identity. New coach Joe Prunty has scaled back some of the chaotic, trapping defensive schemes <a rel=. 31-24. 5th East. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

The Orlando Magic hit the road Monday to take on the Chicago Bulls.