Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a dominant 37-point performance, and Damian Lillard added clutch heroics with nine of his 28 points in the final minute as the Milwaukee Bucks edged the Orlando Magic 114-109 on Tuesday night to advance to the NBA Cup Semifinals in Las Vegas.
Antetokounmpo’s consistent scoring efficiency extended his historic streak to 22 consecutive games with 20 or more points on at least 50% shooting, the longest such streak to start a season in NBA history. He shot 15 of 24 from the field, continuing to showcase his offensive dominance.
Lillard also sank critical free throws and added a key layup to ice the game, while Khris Middleton played a facilitating role with eight assists, including three consecutive setups during a pivotal 11-0 Milwaukee Bucks run in the third quarter. Bobby Portis provided a significant boost off the bench, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds after helping the Bucks recover from an early 11-point deficit.
Jalen Suggs stepped up with 32 points for the short-handed Magic but missed crucial 3-point attempts in the game’s final seconds. The Magic, already without key players Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner due to injuries, saw their reserves contribute 28 first-half points but struggled in the second half.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: A
Stats: 37 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 blocks, 6 turnovers, 1 foul, 15-24 FG, 0-2 3PT FG, 7-12 FT, +5 +/-, 36 mins
Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his dominant season with a 37-point masterpiece, adding seven rebounds, two steals, and an impressive four blocks. His relentless efficiency (15-24 FG) powered the Bucks offensively, and his streak of 20+ points on 50% or better shooting now stands as a historic benchmark. His defensive presence, especially in the paint, was a key factor in the victory.
Damian Lillard: A
Stats: 28 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers, 4 fouls, 8-15 FG, 2-5 3PT FG, 10-10 FT, +2 +/-, 39 mins
Damian Lillard demonstrated why he’s one of the league’s most clutch players, scoring nine of his 28 points in the final minute to seal the win. He added nine assists and was a perfect 10-10 from the free-throw line. Lillard’s ability to close games and direct the offense was crucial in advancing to the semifinals.
Bobby Portis: A
Stats: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 0 turnovers, 1 foul, 9-11 FG, 2-3 3PT FG, 2-3 FT, +11 +/-, 32 mins
Bobby Portis provided a huge spark off the bench, tallying 22 points and 10 rebounds with remarkable efficiency (9-11 FG, 2-3 3PT). His energy and scoring helped the Bucks overcome their early deficit, and his physicality on the boards was a key factor in maintaining momentum.
AJ Green: C+
Stats: 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 3-9 FG, 3-8 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, +13 +/-, 33 mins
Green played heavy minutes and contributed nine points, hitting three 3-pointers. While his shooting wasn’t consistent (3-9 FG, 3-8 3PT), he played solid perimeter defense and helped space the floor. His +13 +/- reflects his positive impact on the game.
Brook Lopez: C+
Stats: 7 points, 6 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 3-7 FG, 1-3 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, -8 +/-, 28 mins
Brook Lopez had a quiet game offensively, scoring just seven points, but his six rebounds and interior defense added value. Though his impact was limited, he provided a steady presence in the paint during key stretches.
Khris Middleton: C+
Stats: 0 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 0-2 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, +4 +/-, 20 mins
Khris Middleton didn’t score but contributed in other ways, dishing out eight assists and grabbing four rebounds. His defensive effort (three steals) and ability to facilitate during Milwaukee’s decisive third-quarter run were valuable, though his lack of scoring was notable.
Gary Trent Jr.: C
Stats: 6 points, 0 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 3 fouls, 2-4 FG, 2-4 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, +11 +/-, 24 mins
Gary Trent Jr. contributed six points on efficient shooting (2-4 FG, 2-4 3PT) in limited minutes. While his overall impact was modest, his 3-point shooting helped keep the Bucks’ offense balanced during his time on the court.
Taurean Prince: C
Stats: 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 0 fouls, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, -4 +/-, 20 mins
Taurean Prince had minimal impact offensively, going scoreless in 20 minutes. He grabbed two rebounds and added a steal but struggled to make his presence felt in other areas, resulting in a below-average performance.
Andre Jackson Jr.: N/A
Stats: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 2 fouls, 2-4 FG, 1-3 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, -9 +/-, 8 mins
Jackson played just eight minutes, scoring five points on 2-4 shooting. His limited time on the floor prevents a meaningful evaluation, though his effort was evident.
The Bucks, the only returning team to the NBA Cup semifinals, await the winner of Wednesday’s matchup between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. They’ll look to build on their momentum as they pursue the in-season tournament title.
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