NBA: Bucks, minus two stars, continue dominance over Magic
Jevon Carter #5 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 5, 2023 in Washington, DC. Patrick Smith/Getty Images/AFP
Brook Lopez scored 26 points to lead six players in double figures as the Milwaukee Bucks extended their road winning streak to nine games with a 134-123 victory over the host Orlando Magic on Tuesday.
Khris Middleton had 24 points and 11 assists, Jevon Carter added 24 points and Bobby Portis Jr. had 16 points and 11 rebounds for Milwaukee, which played without starters Giannis Antetokounmpo (non-COVID-19 illness) and Jrue Holiday (neck soreness).
Milwaukee maintained a double-digit lead for most of the second half and won for the 18th time in its last 19 games. Jae Crowder chipped in 15 points and Joe Ingles scored 12 to help the Bucks record their 14th straight regular-season win over the Magic.
Khris & Brook connection been strong all night. 💪 pic.twitter.com/1B32pnUvTP
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 8, 2023
Cole Anthony had 23 points to lead Orlando, which has lost four of its last six. Franz Wagner scored 21 points, Paolo Banchero added 20, Moritz Wagner had 18 points and eight rebounds, Markelle Fultz scored 16 and Goga Bitadze tallied 12 points and eight rebounds.
Milwaukee led most of the first half with Middleton playing a key role in his first start since Dec. 15. The veteran forward had seven points and three assists in the first quarter to help the Bucks take a 36-26 lead.
Orlando responded with a 14-6 stretch to begin the second quarter and trailed 70-60 at the break. Lopez had 19 points to lead all scorers at halftime. Franz Wagner had 15 points in the first half for Orlando.
Jevon is deep in his bag tonight. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xXJBfqIkfZ
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 8, 2023
The Magic fell behind 81-68 with 8:44 left in the third quarter after Carter hit back-to-back 3-pointers.
Orlando trailed by 10 to begin the fourth quarter and was unable to keep pace with the Eastern Conference-leading Bucks, who stretched their lead to 126-110 on Carter’s jumper with 4:35 remaining.
Milwaukee shot 59 percent from the field and 10-of-28 (35.7 percent) from 3-point range. Orlando finished shooting 50 percent from the field and 9-of-30 (30 percent) from beyond the arc.
The Magic played without center Wendell Carter Jr. (left hip pain) and guard Gary Harris (left adductor soreness) for the second straight game.
