[ad_1]
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 factors, Damian Lillard had 9 of his 28 within the closing minute and the Milwaukee Bucks returned to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas by beating the Orlando Magic 114-109 on Tuesday night time.
Milwaukee reached the semifinals of the in-season match in Las Vegas final December and would be the solely returning crew in Yr 2. They may play Saturday in opposition to the winner of Wednesday’s quarterfinal between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks.
Jalen Suggs led a short-handed Orlando crew with 32 factors however missed a possible go-ahead 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. Lillard was fouled and sank two free throws with 9.1 seconds remaining and Suggs missed a possible tying 3.
Antetokounmpo then made each free throws with 5 seconds left and the Bucks held on.
The Magic have been lacking forwards Paolo Banchero (torn proper indirect), Jonathan Isaac (proper hamstring pressure) and Franz Wagner, who suffered a torn proper indirect on Friday in opposition to Philadelphia; together with guard Gary Harris (left hamstring pressure).
Takeaways
Magic: Orlando’s bench scored 28 factors within the first half, together with 13 by Moritz Wagner and 10 from Anthony Black. However Wagner didn’t rating within the second half.
Bucks: Bobby Portis helped the Bucks erase an early 11-point deficit as he hit his first seven pictures and scored 16 factors within the first half. He completed with 22 factors and 10 rebounds.
Key second
Bucks ahead Khris Middleton registered three consecutive assists — the primary two on passes to Antetokounmpo and the third to arrange a 3-pointer by Gary Trent Jr — because the Bucks took a 78-70 lead as a part of an 11-0 Milwaukee run. Middleton didn’t rating however had eight assists.
Key stat
Antetokounmpo prolonged his streak to 22 straight video games with 20 or extra factors on 50% taking pictures, the longest streak to open a season in league historical past and the third-longest at any level in a season (Shaquille O’Neal and Zion Williamson, each 25 video games). Antetokounmpo was 15-of-24 from the sphere.
Up subsequent
The Magic will play New York or Atlanta on Friday.
Reporting by The Related Press.
[Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]
Get extra from Nationwide Basketball Affiliation Comply with your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra
[ad_2]
