Magic beat Bucks 130-91 as offense never finds footing

The Milwaukee Bucks were missing three of their top five scorers for their game against the Orlando Magic on March 8 at Fiserv Forum and it looked every bit like it in a 130-91 loss.

The Bucks scored just 15 points in the first quarter and it didn’t get much better from there while the regulars were in the game.

“I think it was just tough for us to get downhill for the most part,” Bucks guard Ryan Rollins said. “With me personally, I was kind of just a little too loose with the ball trying to get downhill and just create opportunities for drive-and-kicks. I don’t think we had a lot this game. That is probably the biggest thing I could say right now.”

Milwaukee (27-36) missed its first eight 3-point attempts and shot just 30% overall from the field in falling behind 25-15 early and the Bucks simply didn’t have enough firepower to stick with the Magic. Orlando (35-28) won its fourth in a row.

“Just sense of urgency,” Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. said of the difference in the game. “Obviously we’re about a month away from the regular season ending and these teams that’s right on that borderline of play-in situation or on the borderline of being a fifth, sixth seed are still chasing something great. So, came out third quarter with a great sense of urgency and just put us away and there was nothing we could do.”

It was the lowest scoring first quarter of the season for the Bucks, who have not scored 100 points in five of their last nine games.

BOX SCORE: Magic 130, Bucks 91

The Bucks started slowly again in the third quarter, too, beginning the second half 1-for-8 from the field with four turnovers in the first five minutes. They found themselves down 25 at that point. Milwaukee would score only 15 points in the third quarter, tied for the lowest scoring third quarter of its season.

“The first quarter was bad (offensively) but we only gave up 25 points, it was a 10-point game,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said. “I thought the second quarter we scored, we scored 40 points, the ball started moving. I thought the third quarter, the turnovers, is where we let go of the rope tonight.”

Heading into the game the Bucks were concerned about defending the Magic without fouling, an they were right to as the Magic went 26-for-36 from charity stripe on 23 Bucks fouls.

Milwaukee also turned the ball over 15 times, leading to 21 Orlando points when the regulars were in the game.

Portis led the Bucks with 18 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, giving him 87 career double-doubles off the bench. That broke a tie with Roy Tarpley for second-most double-doubles by a reserve in NBA history.

“It was great,” Portis said. “Just all the hard work and just staying consistent over the years. I just pride myself on just being out there on the floor, being available for my team and shooting the ball with confidence.”

Rollins had 15 points on 5 of 12 shooting while Jericho Sims added 10 points and seven rebounds. Cam Thomas had 17 points on 7 of 12 shooting, along with six assists, off the bench.

“Really proud of Cam because they were gonna trap him,” Rivers said. “He hurt them the last time. We were prepared for that and Cam did the right thing, he got off the ball and made the right decision. So, that was probably the only bright spot of the game, honestly.”

Orlando, which is coached by Milwaukee native Jamahl Mosley, was led by Paolo Banchero (33 points in 29 minutes), Jalen Suggs (20 points) and Desmond Bane (15 points).

During the decisive first half the Bucks had no answers for Banchero who scored 25 points on 10 of 12 shooting from the floor.

Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) fouls Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) during the first half on Sunday, March 8 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Bucks’ Pete Nance knows roster decision looms

An hour on March 8 was lost thanks to daylight savings time pushing the clocks forward, which may have been an unfortunate reminder for Bucks forward Pete Nance that his time with the Bucks may be running out.

The 26-year-old forward was signed to a two-way contract to begin the season, which meant he could split time between the Bucks and their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. That type of deal also caps a player’s total NBA games at 50 (regardless of whether he plays or not). And sitting in front of his locker before taking on the Magic, Nance knew that he now just has eight games left.

“Just trying to focus on the court, you know what I mean? It doesn’t change anything for me whether I would get converted or not,” he told the Journal Sentinel. “It’s not like I’d play any harder or any faster or shoot more or do anything different. Just trying to stay focused and stay rooted in who I am and what I do every day. And, wherever that takes me, then I’ll be happy with it.”

Originally undrafted out of the University of North Carolina in 2023, Nance had signed two-way deals with Cleveland (2024) and Philadelphia (2025) but had never gotten the amount of game play he has this season in Milwaukee.

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has consistently praised Nance’s ability to “connect” offensive and defensive schemes on the court, and the 6-foot, 9-inch forward has impressed by shooting 49% from behind the 3-point line in averaging 4.6 points and 2.0 rebounds per game heading into the game against Orlando.

He then was the team’s sixth man against the Magic.

Nance had also been a “plus” player all season, the Bucks have outscored their opponents by 50 points.

“I think definitely before, I don’t think people knew who I was or knew what I did at all,” he said. “But now I think I’ve got a little bit of film and obviously some stats for them to look at. It looks like people are closing out to me a bit little harder, definitely checking back-and-forth for me to see if I’m cutting, stuff like that. But I think just trying to move around these guys is something that doesn’t change game-to-game for me.”

In order for the Bucks to keep Nance available beyond this contract, they will have to waive one of their 15 guaranteed contracts and convert Nance to a “standard” deal for the rest of the season. Doing that would also make Nance eligible to play in any postseason contests, should the Bucks get to that point.

But for now, despite knowing his time is running out, he’s keeping a smile on his face and a positive outlook.

“No matter what it is as long as I’m getting to play and getting the opportunity on the floor, it doesn’t change anything,” he said. “Just keep doing what I’m doing and playing hard. That’s really it. It could be easy to get really caught up in that and hoping that happens. But at the end of the day, whatever happens there is gonna happen, so I ‘m just trying to take care of anything that’s in my control.”

Bucks start another new group

A night after the Bucks went “big” against Utah in trying to fortify one of the league’s worst defenses, Rivers had to adjust that group because Giannis Antetokounmpo was held out of playing back-to-back nights and Kyle Kuzma was ruled out with a bruise on his spine.

So, AJ Green returned to the starting lineup and Sims was bumped up to join Rollins, Myles Turner and Ousmane Dieng.

It was the Bucks’ 24th starting unit of the season and the fifth different starting group in five games.

Did you notice?

Bucks guard Cam Thomas dribbled from the top of the key to the very deepest part of the corner in front of the Orlando bench with 4:38 to go in the third quarter. He barely stayed in bounds as he heaved a fallaway shot that missed everything for a 24-second violation. What made the play even odder was Thomas dribbled right past teammate Gary Trent Jr. who was on the wing behind the 3-point line.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo scores on Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-91.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) reacts after hitting a three-point basket during the first half of their game against the Orlando MagicSunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo talks with referee Marat Kogut (32) during the second half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-91.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks guard Cam Thomas (24) drives between Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) and forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-91.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers is shown during the second half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-91.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Orlando Magic guard Jett Howard (13) scores as Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) looks on during the second half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-91.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) hits a three-point shot over Orlando Magic forward Moritz Wagner during the second half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-91.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng (21) looks for an open teammate during the second half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-91.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Orlando Magic forward Moritz Wagner (21) fouls Milwaukee Bucks guard Cam Thomas (24) during the second half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-91.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks guard Andre Jackson Jr. (44) takes ahold of shot while being guarded by Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) during the second half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Orlando Magic beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-91.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Orlando Magic guard Jett Howard (13) drives on Milwaukee Bucks forward Pete Nance (35) during the first half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) steals the ball from Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) during the first half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) scores during the first half of their game against the Orlando Magic Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) dunks the ball during the first half of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (3) fouls Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) during the first half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) briefly loses control of the ball as Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) looks on during the first half of their game Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

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Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Orlando Magic 130-91

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley is shown during the first half of their game against the Milwaukee Bucks Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

He said it

Before the game against the Magic, Doc Rivers was asked what Myles Turner had to do to play more after the center logged just 18 minutes and did not play the entire fourth quarter in a win over Utah on March 7. The Bucks were plus-10 when he was on the court.

Rivers: “Well, we won the game (vs. Utah). That’s my answer. I mean, I don’t really care honestly. I think Myles has been really good. I think he would love to score more and things like that. I’m not that concerned with it. But last night I was focused on whatever group. Sometimes you can be playing well, and you can even be a plus-10, but the group that’s playing on the floor at that point may be playing better and you stay with ‘em. You don’t just look at numbers and say hey, he’s a plus-10, let’s put him in. That’s just not how it works. It makes no sense.”

Turner played 23 minutes vs. the Magic, going 1-for-6 from the floor and scoring three points. He had no rebounds and a blocked shot.

5 numbers

2.9: Percent chance the Bucks could make the play-in tournament heading into the game, per ESPN analytics.

13.9: Percent chance the Bucks could win a top-four pick in the NBA draft lottery heading into the game, per the lottery-tracking web site www.tankathon.com.

6-13: Free throw shooting by the Bucks. That followed a 16-for-28 (57%) performance from the charity stripe on March 7 vs. Utah. The Bucks came into the game as the worst free throw shooting team in the league at 73.6%.

6-5: Bucks record on the second night of back-to-back games.

15-17: Bucks record at home.

Is Giannis playing?

No.

The Bucks star is missing his first game since returning from a nearly six-week absence because he played 27 minutes against Utah on March 7. It was always unlikely that Antetokounmpo would play back-to-back games.

What is the Bucks record without Giannis?

11-19

The Bucks are just 16-17 when Antetokounmpo plays.

More: What does Giannis Antetokounmpo want? He wants to retire with the Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks injury report

Taurean Prince, out (neck surgery)

Giannis Antetokounmpo, out (right calf injury management)

Kevin Porter Jr., out (right knee swelling): Head coach Doc Rivers said that the team will take a “conservative” approach with Porter but there is a chance the point guard can return to action this season.

Kyle Kuzma, out (thoracic spine contusion): Kuzma began the day as questionable to play but was ruled out about 45 minutes before the game.”That sounds awful,” Rivers said of the injury designation. “He wasn’t moving great in our little walkthrough but we’ll see.”

Bucks starters

Guards: Ryan Rollins, AJ Green

Forwards: Ousmane Dieng, Jericho Sims

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