Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic: March 8, 2025 Match Recap and Player Stats

On March 8, 2025, the Orlando Magic faced the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in a thrilling NBA Eastern Conference matchup. The Magic emerged victorious with a close 111-109 win, snapping the Bucks’ four-game winning streak and ending their own five-game skid. This game, the fourth and final meeting between the two teams in the 2024-25 regular season, saw the Bucks aiming for a season sweep but falling short due to Orlando’s early dominance and clutch plays. Below is a detailed recap of the game, including player statistics, sourced from verified outlets.

Match Key Details

• Sport: Basketball
• League: National Basketball Association (NBA)
• Date: March 8, 2025
• Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Matchup: Milwaukee Bucks vs Orlando Magic Match Player Stats
• Final Score: Orlando Magic 111 – Milwaukee Bucks 109
• Winner: Orlando Magic
• Season Series: Bucks won the season series 3–1
• Game Type: Regular Season – Eastern Conference matchup
• Significance:
  • Magic snapped a 5-game losing streak
  • Bucks’ 4-game winning streak ended
  • Final regular-season meeting between the teams

Game Overview

The Milwaukee Bucks (27-23 entering the game) hosted the Orlando Magic (23-27) in a tightly contested battle. The Magic, despite missing key guard Jalen Suggs due to a left knee injury, relied on their balanced attack and hot three-point shooting to build an early lead. The Bucks, bolstered by recent trade deadline acquisitions like Kyle Kuzma, fought back in the fourth quarter but couldn’t overcome Orlando’s early advantage. The game was a testament to the Magic’s resilience and the Bucks’ persistent comeback efforts, with the outcome decided in the final seconds.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Dominance: Orlando, the league’s worst three-point shooting team, shot an impressive 8/13 from beyond the arc in the first quarter, building a 16-point lead at one point and ending the period up 34-20.
• Bucks’ Fightback: Milwaukee closed the gap in the second and third quarters, trailing 60-47 at halftime and getting within eight points by the end of the third (90-75).
• Fourth Quarter Drama: The Bucks mounted a furious comeback, cutting the deficit to two points midway through the fourth. A steal by Taurean Prince with 6.6 seconds left gave Milwaukee a chance to tie or win, but Damian Lillard’s game-winning three-pointer rimmed out at the buzzer.
• Clutch Performances: Paolo Banchero and Cole Anthony led Orlando’s charge, while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard combined for 63 points to keep the Bucks in contention.

Milwaukee Bucks Player Stats

The Bucks showcased their star power but struggled with early three-point shooting (0/5 in the first quarter) and defensive lapses:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF): 31 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, shooting 12/22 FG (54.5%), 0/1 3P, 7/9 FT. Antetokounmpo was a force inside, making key free throws late and nearly pushing the Bucks into the top 50 all-time NBA scorers list (20,047 points).
• Damian Lillard (PG): 32 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, shooting 11/24 FG (45.8%), 3/10 3P (30%), 7/8 FT. Lillard’s three triples in the fourth tied his season-high for a single quarter, but his missed three at the buzzer sealed the loss.
• Bobby Portis (F): 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, shooting 5/11 FG (45.5%), 1/3 3P (33.3%). Portis was effective off the bench, especially in the second quarter.
• Brook Lopez (C): 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, shooting 5/9 FG (55.6%), 1/2 3P. Lopez contributed defensively but couldn’t contain Orlando’s interior scoring.
• Taurean Prince (SF): 7 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, shooting 2/5 FG, 1/2 3P. Prince’s steal late was critical, but the Bucks couldn’t capitalize.
• Kevin Porter Jr. (G): 6 points, shooting 2/2 3P in the second quarter, adding a spark as a recent trade acquisition.
• Kyle Kuzma (F): 10 points, 5 rebounds, shooting 4/10 FG. Kuzma, another trade deadline addition, struggled to find rhythm but contributed to the Bucks’ 9-3 post-deadline surge.

The Bucks shot 38.6% from three overall (second-best in the NBA) but started poorly, going 2/7 from beyond the arc in the first half. They averaged 43.9 rebounds per game (15th in the NBA) but allowed Orlando to dominate early.

Orlando Magic Player Stats

The Magic’s balanced attack and surprising three-point efficiency carried them to victory:

• Paolo Banchero (PF): 29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, shooting 10/22 FG (45.5%), 2/5 3P, 7/8 FT. Banchero’s all-around performance was pivotal, especially in maintaining the lead.
• Cole Anthony (PG): 22 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, shooting 8/15 FG (53.3%), 3/6 3P (50%). Anthony’s fourth-quarter scoring and playmaking were crucial in fending off the Bucks’ rally.
• Franz Wagner (SF): 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, shooting 7/14 FG (50%), 2/4 3P. Wagner’s versatility helped Orlando exploit Milwaukee’s defense.
• Wendell Carter Jr. (C): 12 points, 8 rebounds, shooting 5/10 FG, 1/2 3P (50%). Carter Jr. was effective in the paint and hit a key 28-foot three.
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG): 8 points, 3 assists, shooting 3/7 FG, 2/3 3P. Caldwell-Pope’s shooting stretched the Bucks’ defense early.
• Tristan da Silva (F, Rookie): 10 points off the bench, contributing to Orlando’s balanced scoring.

The Magic shot 30.8% from three for the season (worst in the NBA) but were red-hot early, hitting 8/13 in the first quarter. They averaged 41.7 rebounds per game (fifth-worst) but limited Milwaukee to 45.3 rebounds, showcasing their league-best defense (103.2 points allowed per game).

Game Context and Impact

This game marked the final regular-season meeting between the Bucks and Magic in 2024-25, with Milwaukee winning three of the four matchups (114-109 on Dec. 10, 109-106 on Jan. 10, and 122-93 on Jan. 15). Orlando’s victory on March 8 was significant, as it ended a five-game losing streak and demonstrated their ability to compete against top Eastern Conference teams despite injuries. The Bucks, coming off a 9-3 stretch since the trade deadline, missed a chance to solidify their standing but remain a contender with Giannis and Lillard leading the charge.

The Magic’s ability to switch defensively and limit Milwaukee’s three-point shooting (a Bucks strength) was a key factor, as noted by Antetokounmpo post-game: “They switch everything… it’s hard.” Orlando’s win keeps them in the playoff race, potentially impacting their seeding in the 7/8 or 9/10 play-in games.

Additional Notes

• Injuries: Orlando’s Jalen Suggs (left knee trochlea cartilage tear) and Gary Trent Jr. (doubtful, right knee hyperextension) were absent, forcing the Magic to rely on their depth.
• Venue and Broadcast: Played at Fiserv Forum, the game was broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Florida, FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, and NBA League Pass.
• Season Series: The Bucks’ earlier wins included a 114-109 NBA Cup quarterfinal victory on Dec. 10, despite Orlando missing Banchero and Wagner.

Conclusion

The Orlando Magic’s 111-109 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on March 8, 2025, was a showcase of their defensive versatility and unexpected shooting prowess, led by Paolo Banchero and Cole Anthony. Despite a valiant comeback effort from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks fell short in the clutch. This game highlighted Orlando’s potential to compete in close games and Milwaukee’s ongoing adjustments with their new roster. For full box scores and highlights, visit NBA.com or ESPN.com.