LAKE GOOD VIEW, Fla. (AP) – The Milwaukee Bucks’ hopes for their first NBA name since 1971 got off to a tough start.
Nikola Vucevic scored a playoff record of 35 issues and 14 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic knocked out the Bucks 122-110 on Tuesday in the Disney World enthusiasts bubble in the league.
Terrence Ross scored 18 issues, Gary Clark added 15 and D.J. Augustine had 11 problems and 11 assists for Magic, the eighth seed, who is a 14-point loser.
Orlando took a 1-0 lead in the most productive of seven series, an intriguing result since the Bucks can’t count on local merit in those pandemic playoffs.
“We don’t care what others have to say,” Vucevic said. “We were on top of ourselves and went out and played a wonderful game on both sides of the field.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 31 points, 17 rebounds and seven assists for Milwaukee. Last season’s most valuable player remained goalless in the area for the past 11 minutes and seemed to get more frustrated as the final quarter progressed.
“You have to be in a position to do what they do, ” said Vucevic. “We especially oppose a team like Milwaukee, where we have to make sure we know their business and are prepared for anything. Tonight we were definitely at the top. Array We did a smart task when running the game plan.”
The Bucks entered the playoffs as a favorite to win the NBA title. But they went 3-5 in the rankings in the bubble, and that slow game continued in the playoffs.
George Hill said the Bucks do an introspection.
Antetokounmpo did not go that far, saying that the Bucks power point passed well, but that they needed to make more shots. Milwaukee made 43% of the box and 14 out of 42 from triples.
“There is no magic wand to aim at and things will change,” Antetokounmpo said. “You have to pass out, play hard, play even harder, play in combination and have fun.”
Milwaukee swept the series of the season against Orlando, winning four games with an average of 17 points, but struggled with the Magic’s defensive sting, which caused 16 ball losses and blocked the road, forcing Antetokounmpo to settle for suspension shots.
The Bucks’ frustration became apparent when the half-time Brook Lopez trampled a chair, then kicked it, into the bank’s dominance for a timeout.
“Obviously, our main goal is to make the task complicated for Giannis, protect the painting,” Vucevic said. “We did it as a team. Gary (Clark) did a wonderful task fighting him and we were able to help him.
Magic led the most of the game.
Orlando used an initial 15-2 run to build a 51-33 lead halfway through Vucevic’s 16 points.
Milwaukee made several problems in the middle of the moment, but the Magic had a response time.
Vucevic had 14 problems in the third quarter, scoring at the rear of the post against the smaller, protruding defenders to take down three men opposed to the older men while the Magic led a 13-point lead in the final quarter.
The Bucks reduced the lead to six in the fourth, but Ross controlled a overturn and a strong scoring cut and Augustin and Vucevic added 3s to take the lead to 14. Evan Fournier, who scored no goals for three quarters, hit with 33 numbers in the last five minutes.
The challenge for the Magic will be its intensity. A year ago, they beat the eventual NBA raptor champions to begin their opening series, but lost the next four.
“We came out with a big win,” Vucevic said. “Again, it’s just a game. We have to move on.”
TIP-INS
Magic: Played without escorts Aaron Gordon (tense left ham tendon) and Michael Carter-Williams (left foot stretched). Gordon is expected to return before Carter-Williams.
Bucks: Antetokoumpo played his first game in a week. He was suspended for the last rating game for defeating Washington’s Moe Wagner in Milwaukee’s victory over the Wizards on August 11.
VUCEVIC NUMBERS
Vucevic finished 1 five of 24 in the field, five out of 8 in 3 points. He also had four assists.
“He’s crazy, ” said Antetokounmpo.
“It’s just great,” Said Magic coach Steve Clifford. “He played very well here. Array… He made a great move after a big game today. But I’m not surprised. Because of his preparation for this playoff series, and I think it’s going to be demonstrated, he’s on top.” .
SPEAKING OF BUBBLES
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer doesn’t believe the bubble game has an effect on his team.
“It’s wonderful to play in front of your enthusiasts and feed some of their energy, but we’ve all been in the bubble here for a while, so I think everyone deserves to perceive how to run a race and save your careers.” Budenholzer told me.
Following
It resumes on Thursday night.
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