With All-Star captain Giannis Antetokounmpo out, tonight’s game took on a different complexion. A seemingly almost impossible assignment for the Magic -- beat the league’s best team on their home court -- turned into an opportunity, and it was one that they ultimately seized.
Behind the aggressive play of Eric Bledsoe, the Bucks jumped out to an early 8-0 lead, aided by poor shooting and wasteful turnovers from the Magic. Tentative play on the perimeter from Jonathan Isaac -- who passed up multiple wide-open looks and missed the one attempt he took -- was emblematic of the team’s slow start, as they struggled to generate meaningful possessions.