Orlando Magic overpower Milwaukee Bucks 118-99 on Feb. 11 rematch, extending Giannis’ absence storyline
Magic’s second-half surge breaks open tight game in Orlando
The Milwaukee Bucks’ visit to Orlando ended in a 118-99 loss to the Magic in a February 2026 matchup that turned decisively after halftime. The game was competitive through the middle of the second quarter and remained within reach early in the third, but Orlando’s extended run on both ends created separation that Milwaukee did not reverse.
The scoring by quarter underscored the shift: Milwaukee posted 22 and 32 points in the first half quarters, then 20 and 25 after intermission, while Orlando rose from 27 and 24 to 36 and 31 in the final two periods. Orlando’s third quarter in particular changed the game’s direction.
Key contributors and decisive possession battle
Milwaukee guard Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks with 28 points and seven assists. Orlando was paced by Anthony Black’s 26 points, with Desmond Bane adding 25. Orlando also got a notable lift from Franz Wagner, who returned to action after an ankle injury and played 17 minutes off the bench, finishing with 14 points and five rebounds.
Team-wide, the outcome was driven by a possession advantage and conversion efficiency rather than a major gap in field-goal percentage. Both teams shot 47% from the floor, but Orlando attempted more shots and generated more scoring chances at the line.
- Turnovers: Milwaukee 20, Orlando 11
- Points off turnovers: Orlando 27, Milwaukee 10
- Rebounds: Orlando 44, Milwaukee 37 (offensive rebounds: 11-6)
- Free throws: Orlando 24-of-27, Milwaukee 15-of-21
- Assists: Orlando 27, Milwaukee 17
- Fast-break points: Orlando 19, Milwaukee 7
Orlando’s ability to turn stops into transition offense, paired with extra possessions from offensive rebounding and Milwaukee giveaways, provided the margin in a game where both sides made a similar share of their shots.
Defensive pressure and third-quarter momentum
Milwaukee’s ball security was a central issue. The Bucks’ 20 turnovers fed Orlando’s transition game and helped produce a lopsided second half. Orlando also pressured passing lanes, finishing with 14 steals; Jalen Suggs recorded 10 assists and five steals, contributing to both tempo and disruption.
The Magic’s third-quarter stretch combined forced turnovers with improved perimeter shooting and bench production, building a lead that held through the fourth.
Context for Milwaukee: Antetokounmpo remains out
The Bucks continued to play without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the game with a calf injury. His absence has required Milwaukee to create offense through guards and secondary scoring while managing defensive rebounding and transition containment—two areas that proved costly in Orlando.
Final score: Orlando Magic 118, Milwaukee Bucks 99.