The Orlando Magic coming in as underdogs stole Game 1 from the Milwaukee Bucks amid Nikola Vucevic’s career high 35 points and 14 rebounds. One of two upsets that left the top seeds of both conferences in the league stunned. Although the Bucks have been on top of the Eastern conference, they have gone just 3-5 since the beginning of the bubble. This sluggish start only continued Tuesday night as the Orlando Magic jumped out in front in this best of seven series.
The Magic were able to hold their own on both sides of the floor as they forced the Bucks to make 16 turnovers and kept the lead for the majority of the game. Despite their regular series sweep of the Magic, the Bucks could not hold the lead and had no answer for Vucevic. Giannis Antetokounmpo had to settle for jump shots as Magic defenders protected the paint. The Greek Freak still managed to get a double-double as he finished with 31 points, 17 rebounds with 7 assists.
The Magic capitalized early off a 15-2 run that would carry through to a 10-point lead at the half 62-52. The frustration got the better of Bucks center Brook Lopez as he was seen taking out his anger on a courtside chair during a timeout. The Bucks were 43% from the field and made 14 of 42 attempted three pointers. 10 missed free throws on the Bucks end also added to their offensive woes.
Second Half
Despite second-half runs from the Bucks, the Magic had an offensive response every time. Namely, Vucevic who had 14 points in the third quarter alone and consistent buckets from Orlando players Ross and Augustin. The Magic were able to hold the lead the entire second half. Bucks got to within 6 points of the lead, but not before Fournier delivered the final key shots. Fournier, who was scoreless through three quarters, helped seal the deal in the final five minutes with three huge three pointers that added to the Magic’s 39% shooting from beyond the arc.
The Orlando Magic will look to continue their high offensive performance in Game 2 but are all too familiar with the hopefulness that comes with winning a Game 1. Having been in the same spot last year against the Toronto Raptors, Vucevic was asked what they learned from that eventual 4-1 series loss and what they will do differently. “We have to understand that it’s just one game,” Vucevic said. “We have to expect a great response from them and they’re going to make adjustments and we have to do the same thing.” Bucks will now have to go 4 of 6 which they have not done since March.
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