Magic Surge Past Bucks Behind Black, Bane, and a Big Third Quarter
The Orlando Magic found their spark in the third quarter Monday night-and it came with perfect timing. With Franz Wagner making his return to the lineup after a nine-game absence, Orlando turned a back-and-forth battle into a statement win, topping the Milwaukee Bucks 118-99 at the Kia Center.
This was the Magic’s third straight victory, and it came in front of a national audience streaming on Peacock. The win didn’t just showcase Orlando’s depth-it was a reminder that this team is finding its rhythm at the right time.
A Third-Quarter Takeover
The first half was a tug-of-war. Fifteen lead changes, nine ties, and neither team able to build a cushion.
But the tide turned sharply after halftime. Orlando outscored Milwaukee 36-20 in the third quarter, flipping a close game into a 13-point lead heading into the fourth-and they never looked back.
That third-quarter run was fueled by energy, defense, and a steady dose of Anthony Black and Desmond Bane. Black dropped 26 points, while Bane added 25, and the two combined for 51 of Orlando’s 118 points.
Black, in particular, was aggressive early, getting to the free throw line and finding his rhythm in the paint. He scored six straight points to open the fourth, all assisted by Jalen Suggs, and continued to show why the Magic are so high on his upside.
Starting Five Shuffle
With Wagner returning but not starting for the first time in his NBA career, head coach Jamahl Mosley kept Black in the starting lineup alongside Bane, Suggs, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr.
Bane set the tone early, attacking the paint and putting up 14 points before halftime. His ability to break down the defense and finish through contact was key in keeping Orlando in the game before the third-quarter surge. Monday marked his 26th game with 20+ points in a Magic uniform-he’s become a consistent offensive engine for this team.
Suggs was everywhere. He tallied 10 assists, five steals, and seven points in 27 minutes.
It was his second straight game with at least four steals and third in a row with three or more. His defensive pressure and playmaking were crucial in swinging momentum Orlando’s way.
Banchero had a quieter night by his standards. He missed his first four shots and had just three points from the free throw line by halftime.
He finished with 11 points on 3-for-10 shooting, but he did grab nine rebounds in 33 minutes. Even when the shots aren’t falling, Banchero continues to impact the game in other ways.
As for Carter, he was a late addition to the injury report with left ankle soreness but was cleared to play. He logged 24 minutes, finishing with four points and eight rebounds, though he missed all four of his 3-point attempts.
Welcome Back, Franz
After missing nine games with a left high ankle sprain, Franz Wagner returned in a new role-coming off the bench for the first time in his NBA career. Mosley kept him on a tight minutes restriction, using him in short bursts throughout the night.
Despite the limited action, Wagner made his presence felt. He scored 14 points in just under 17 minutes, hitting two threes and dishing out five assists.
He also grabbed two rebounds and helped push the pace in transition. There was some rust, sure, but the confidence was there-and so was the impact.
His older brother, Moe Wagner, chipped in 14 points in 16 minutes off the bench, continuing to provide steady scoring and energy in the second unit.
Turnovers and Paint Domination
Milwaukee’s biggest issue? Turnovers.
The Bucks coughed it up 20 times, leading to 27 points for the Magic. That kind of sloppiness is hard to overcome, especially on the road.
Orlando also dominated the paint early. The Magic held a 16-0 advantage in points in the paint after the first quarter and led 22-12 in that category by halftime. Milwaukee didn’t score in the paint until early in the second quarter and ultimately lost that battle 42-32.
Even with Kevin Porter Jr. putting up a game-high 28 points for the Bucks, the combination of turnovers and Orlando’s interior presence proved too much.
Rookie Contributions and a New Face
First-round pick Jase Richardson was one of the first off the bench and made the most of his minutes. He hit a three and finished with five points in 17 minutes, showing flashes of the scoring touch that made him a top prospect.
Noah Penda also added five points and six rebounds, continuing to carve out a role with his hustle and rebounding.
Newly signed guard Jevon Carter made his Magic debut late in the fourth quarter. He played just under four minutes, missed all three of his shots, and grabbed a rebound. It’s early, but the veteran could become a useful piece in the backcourt rotation after the All-Star break.
A Familiar Face Returns
Gary Harris, now with the Bucks, made his first return to the Kia Center since signing with Milwaukee in the offseason. Harris spent parts of five seasons with Orlando and was welcomed back with a tribute video during the first quarter. He played 14 minutes but didn’t score.
What’s Next
The Magic will face the Bucks again on Wednesday night in the final game before the All-Star break. With momentum on their side and Wagner working his way back into form, Orlando is looking like a team that’s ready to make some noise in the second half of the season.