The Magic closed a tumultuous 2021 with a showdown against the reigning champions, the second of a pair of consecutive home dates against Giannis and the Bucks. Although they were able to keep things more consistently close during this one, they still ultimately had trouble matching Milwaukee’s firepower, falling 136-118 despite an energetic effort.
The two teams traded buckets across the feeling-out stages, with the Magic leaning on Franz Wagner, Gary Harris and Wendell Carter Jr. in the absence of their regular backcourt. The trio toiled hard, looking to both make plays for teammates and be aggressive in putting the ball on the floor and probing into the paint.