The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Wagner’s Near Triple-Double Leads Magic Past Bucks 107-99
By Adrian Cole
Photo: Ray Villalobos (e-mail: ray@planetoftheweb.com ) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
ORLANDO, Florida — Franz Wagner scored 35 points, handed out 12 assists and grabbed nine rebounds as the Orlando Magic built a large early lead and held off the Milwaukee Bucks for a 107-99 victory Friday night at Kia Center.
Wagner finished one rebound short of his first career triple-double, shooting 13 of 22 from the field. He also extended his run of 30-point performances to four consecutive games, leading Orlando to its third straight victory.
The Magic took control in the first half, outscoring Milwaukee 23-15 in the opening quarter and 29-22 in the second to carry a 52-37 advantage into halftime. Orlando stretched the margin to 20 points in the third quarter, going ahead 65-45 before the Bucks began working their way back into the game.
Desmond Bane contributed 21 points for Orlando. Wendell Carter Jr., Tristan da Silva and reserve Goga Bitadze each scored 12, giving the Magic balanced support behind Wagner.
Milwaukee made a push in the closing minutes and pulled within eight points in the final minute. Wagner answered with a crucial defensive play, stealing the ball and finishing with a Euro-step layup to make it 104-94 and help secure the win.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. led the Bucks with 22 points, while Tyler Herro added 18. Milwaukee’s comeback effort came after a difficult first half in which it managed just 37 points.
The victory improved Orlando to 5-7 overall and 2-0 in NBA Cup East Group A. It was also the Magic’s first home win of the season, extending their winning streak to three games.
Milwaukee fell to 1-12 and suffered its ninth consecutive loss. The Bucks dropped to 0-2 in Cup group play, and the defeat, combined with the head-to-head tiebreaker, eliminated them from the competition, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Orlando, meanwhile, continued its upward stretch with Wagner again driving the offense and making a decisive play when the game tightened.
Adrian Cole
NBA, The Library Media
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