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Orlando Magic Grades: Milwaukee Bucks 102, Orlando Magic 86

By Ryan Doyle

Milwaukee, WI - APRIL 9: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 9, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Milwaukee, WI - APRIL 9: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 9, 2018 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Even without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks cruised to victory over the Orlando Magic thanks to a 20-6 run to end the third quarter.

The losses continue to pile up for the Orlando Magic. In their final road game of the year, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Orlando Magic 102-86 at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Monday.

Even without superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee was able to separate itself early in the fourth and beat Orlando handily. The Bucks outscored the Magic 28-19 in the final quarter.

Until late in the third quarter, Orlando played up to par with Milwaukee. The defensive intensity was there and they put together enough flashy plays to hold momentum for a solid portion of the game.

Milwaukee turned up the intensity in the final minutes of the third and the Magic failed to answer in the final period. The Bucks ran away with a game that appeared to be a closely contested game throughout.

Orlando failed to find any offensive rhythm. The Magic shot just 41.5 percent from the field. The Magic had no 3-point shot either. The team shot a putrid 5 for 24 from beyond the arc. Eventually, the team was unable to maintain its lead.

The Magic had the lead for most of the third quarter, but a late Bucks run would see the Bucks back in the lead 74-67 after three quarters. In all, Milwaukee finished the third quarter on a 20-6 run to pull ahead for good.

Orlando’s poor offense was never able to get going after that. And the Bucks pulled away in the fourth. The team lost its energy.

Throughout the season, one of Orlando’s most glaring weaknesses has been their bench. Even with a mix of G-League players, it seemed the bench had some fight tonight. The second unit cut down on a big first-period deficit and turned around what was a lackluster defensive effort from the starters.

The second unit fought hard, but the Magic still found themselves down at the half 45-42. Orlando took advantage of a short-handed Milwaukee team early on.

Both teams decided to push the pace early tonight. The first quarter was action-packed. But the Magic found themselves in a double-digit hole after one.

Orlando struggled defensively in the first quarter. Far too many open lanes to the rim for Milwaukee allowed the Bucks offense to thrive without Antetokounmpo.

NIKOLA VUCEVIC. B. Nikola Vucevic led the starters offensively. He was the only consistent scoring option for most of the game with his 17 points. Vucevic also added 10 rebounds and seven assists, moving the ball well and playing close to the basket.<p>He was even decent defensively, holding his ground and using his length to block a few shots. He was engaged, to say the least.</p><p><a href=. C. Orlando Magic

The first half may have been one of the best performances of Bismack Biyombo’s season. He was solid defensively, slowing down the lengthy Milwaukee Bucks. He was also effective on offense, finding holes in the defense and making himself available for easy dunks.<p><a href=. C. Orlando Magic. BISMACK BIYOMBO. B

F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. C-. It was another rough night for Aaron Gordon. Although the young forward has made some serious strides on offense, his shot selection has been mind-boggling at times.<p>That was the case Monday as <a href=

Orlando Magic. KHEM BIRCH. B-. Khem Birch has been put in an odd situation with having to play with another center on the floor for most of his minutes. He has faced issues when he plays with Bismack Biyombo due to spacing and being dealt a tough hand with more athletic forwards on defense.<p>Tonight was a little different as coach <a href=. C

44-37. 6th East. MILWAUKEE BUCKS. B-. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks still managed to crush the Orlando Magic. They got solid performances from bench players and found energy wherever they could get it.<p>Shabazz Muhammad had a career night with 22 points, scoring 10 points .within six minutes to start his stint in the first quarter The starting unit spread the wealth and Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton and Jabari Parker all scored more than 15 points.</p><p>Milwaukee was not able to build a lead until the fourth quarter. But that is when they turned on the jets and left the Magic in the dust.</p>

Next: Orlando Magic see the power of the 3-pointer

The Orlando Magic conclude their 2018 season against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night at the Amway Center.