Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 factors, Damian Lillard scored 9 of his 28 factors within the remaining 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 season event in Las Vegas final December and would be the solely workforce to return in Year 2. It will play Saturday in opposition to the winner of Wednesday’s quarterfinals between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks.
Jalen Suggs led a short-handed Orlando workforce with 32 factors however missed a possible 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. Lillard was fouled and made two free throws with 9.1 seconds left and Suggs missed a possible game-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 (proper indirect pressure), Jonathan Isaac (proper hamstring pressure) and Franz Wagner, who suffered a proper indirect pressure on Friday in opposition to Philadelphia; together with guard Gary Harris (left hamstring pressure).
Takeaway
Magic: Orlando’s bench scored 28 factors within the first half, together with 13 from Moritz Wagner and 10 from Anthony Black. But Wagner did not rating within the second half.
Bucks: Bobby Portis helped the Bucks erase an early 11-point deficit by hitting his first seven photographs and scoring 16 factors within the first half. He completed with 22 factors and 10 rebounds.
Key second
Bucks ahead Khris Middleton recorded three consecutive assists – the primary two on passes to Antetokounmpo and the third to arrange a Gary Trent Jr. 3-pointer – because the Bucks took an 78-70 lead as a part of an 11-game scoring run. 0 in Milwaukee. Middleton did not rating however offered eight assists.
Key statistic
Antetokounmpo prolonged his streak to 22 consecutive video games with 20 or extra factors on 50% capturing, the longest streak to open a season in league historical past and the third-longest at any level within the season (Shaquille O’ Neal and Zion Williamson, each 25 video games). Antetokounmpo was 15 of 24 from the sector.
Next
The Magic will play both New York or Atlanta on Friday.
Associated Press reporting.
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