What’s Next for the Magic After Thrashing by the Bucks
Orlando Magic's Struggles and Path to Contending
On January 15th, the Orlando Magic suffered a 122-93 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, underscoring several persistent issues for the team. The Bucks dominated from start to finish, overpowering the Magic in both the paint and at the free-throw line. Despite individual efforts, Orlando struggled to keep pace with Milwaukee’s offensive efficiency. A major point of concern was the Magic’s shooting, especially from beyond the arc, where they connected on just 26.1 percent of their attempts. This loss highlighted the Magic’s ongoing inconsistency on offense, further emphasizing their need to improve as they fight to remain competitive in the playoff race.
Orlando Magic’s Path to Becoming Contenders: A Need for Improved Three-Point Shooting
The Orlando Magic find themselves in a tight race for a playoff spot, currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 23-19 record. However, despite having a one-star player, the team faces significant challenges in becoming true contenders, especially in their three-point shooting. This has been a weakness for several seasons. Last year, the Magic shot 35.2 percent from beyond the arc, ranking 26th in the league. This season has seen no improvement, as they now sit at the bottom of the league with a dismal 30.7 percent shooting from three-point range. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Magic must address this issue, or they risk facing a similar fate to last season, where their struggles from deep cost them in the playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers. If things do not change, they may be outshot once again in the regular season or postseason.
Bucks Dominate Magic in Game Three with Strong Paint Scoring and Free Throws
The Magic’s recent loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, a 122-93 blowout in Game three, further highlighted their need for improvement. The Bucks dominated each quarter, outscoring Orlando 54-32 in the paint and taking 35 free throws, the second-most by any Magic opponent this season. Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 30 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 26, and Bobby Portis and Khris Middleton each contributed 14. Brook Lopez finished with 13 points, helping the Bucks maintain their dominance. Interestingly, despite their strong inside play, the Bucks attempted just 12 three-pointers, the fewest by any NBA team in a single game this season. For Orlando, Paolo Banchero, in his third game back after a 34-game absence due to a torn oblique, led the team with 22 points but also committed seven turnovers. Other Magic players in double figures included Trevelin Queen, Wendell Carter Jr., Cole Anthony, and Anthony Black.
Magic Reflect on Physical Defeat Against Bucks, Look Ahead to Celtics
The Magic struggled with physicality in the game, as Wendell Carter Jr. admitted, “I think we just kind of got out-physicaled tonight from the jump.” Carter noted the Bucks’ offensive ease and the Magic’s inability to apply defensive pressure, especially as they settled for too many three-pointers instead of attacking the basket. He emphasized that the team should have been more aggressive, particularly when key players like Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo were off the court. The Magic were also missing several key players, including Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Goga Bitadze, and Moe Wagner. For the Bucks, Gary Trent Jr. was the only absence due to a hip injury, while Andre Jackson Jr. left early with a right hip contusion. The Magic will look to bounce back on Friday when they face the defending champion Boston Celtics at seven p.m.
Orlando Magic Suffer One-Sided Loss to the Bucks in Game Three
In what was ultimately a one-sided affair, the Orlando Magic were thoroughly outplayed by the Milwaukee Bucks, falling 122-93 in their third meeting this season. The Bucks dominated from the outset, leaving the Magic little room to mount a significant challenge. Orlando’s struggles were most apparent from beyond the arc, where they shot just 26.1 percent, connecting on only 12 of 46 attempts. Head coach Jamahl Mosley acknowledged the team’s poor performance, stating, “That wasn’t our standard. That wasn’t Orlando Magic basketball.” He emphasized the importance of addressing the reasons behind the loss but remained confident in the team’s ability to bounce back, adding, “The great part about this group is that they always find a way to bounce back.” This loss marked the 21st time this season the Magic have shot under 30 percent from three-point range, a league-high for any team.
