By: Izayah Thorb
ORLANDO, FL – After Orlando scored 122 points in game 1, they were held under triple digits in game 2. Milwaukee entered game 2 with a sense of urgency routing Orlando 111-96.
Orlando in contrast struggled mightily in game 2, notably starting off sluggish on the offensive end. The Magic concluded the first quarter going 3-24 from the field, 1-11 from behind the arc, and 0-9 in the paint.
The latter comes as the most field goals without a make in the paint in a game in the last 20 years of post season basketball.
Nikola Vucevic finished again with another monstrous double-double of 32 points, 10 rebounds on 56.5% shooting from the field, leading all scorers. Outside of the All-Star Center, Vucevic didn’t receive much help.
The reigning MVP Giannis was dominate per usual notching a double-double of his own, 28 points and 20 rebounds. Brook Lopez made his presence known, pouring in 20 points shooting 4-8 on his three-point attempts.
While the Bucks are favored to win the series, should they beat Orlando, a player to keep an eye on is All-Star Kris Middleton. The 2-time All-Star has not only struggled in the first two playoff games of the series but has struggled since entering the bubble. In 30min of action Middleton only scored 2 points.
On the perspective of the Magic, holding an All-Star to 2 points in a playoff game is great. However, getting beat by 15 points while holding said All-Star to 2 points is not great.
Needless to say, Orlando needs to tighten up their ship, in order to take back control of the series. Game 3 is on Saturday at 1PM, EST on TNT.
