MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 factors, Damian Lillard had 9 of his 28 within the last minute and the Milwaukee Bucks returned to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas by beating the Orlando Magic 114-109 on Tuesday night time.
Milwaukee reached the semifinals of the in-season event in Las Vegas final December and would be the solely returning group in Year 2. They will play Saturday towards the winner of Wednesday’s quarterfinal between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks.
Jalen Suggs led a short-handed Orlando group with 32 factors however missed a possible go-ahead 3-pointer with 12 seconds left. Lillard was fouled and sank two free throws with 9.1 seconds remaining and Suggs missed a possible tying 3.
Antetokounmpo then made each free throws with 5 seconds left and the Bucks held on.
Antetokounmpo prolonged his streak to 22 straight video games with 20 or extra factors on 50% taking pictures, the longest streak to open a season in league historical past and the third-longest at any level in a season, behind Shaquille O’Neal and Zion Williamson (25 video games). Antetokounmpo was 15 of 24 from the sector.
The Magic have been lacking forwards Paolo Banchero (torn proper indirect), Jonathan Isaac (proper hamstring pressure) and Franz Wagner, who suffered a torn proper indirect on Friday towards Philadelphia; together with guard Gary Harris (left hamstring pressure).
Orlando’s bench scored 28 factors within the first half, together with 13 by Moritz Wagner and 10 from Anthony Black. But Wagner didn’t rating within the second half.
Bucks ahead Khris Middleton registered three consecutive assists — the primary two on passes to Antetokounmpo and the third to arrange a 3-pointer by Gary Trent Jr — because the Bucks took a 78-70 lead as a part of an 11-0 Milwaukee run. Middleton didn’t rating however had eight assists.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
