The Orlando Magic secured a 107–99 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the Emirates NBA Cup 2026. Orlando laid the groundwork for the home win in the first half and held off a stronger offensive push from the visitors down the stretch.
Orlando controlled the first half
The Magic won the opening quarter 23–15, establishing an early eight-point lead. They carried that momentum into the second quarter, winning it 29–22 and taking a 15-point advantage into halftime. The hosts moved the ball effectively throughout and applied consistent defensive pressure on Milwaukee.
Franz Jacob Wagner was the driving force behind the win. The Magic's leading scorer in the 2026–27 season finished with 35 points, 9 rebounds and 12 assists, posting a double-double. For Wagner, this campaign also marks his first full season as an outright starter, following an injury-shortened previous year.
Milwaukee cut into the deficit in the fourth quarter
The Bucks responded after the break, winning the third quarter 35–32, though Orlando still led by twelve points heading into the final frame. Milwaukee continued to press in the fourth quarter and took that period 27–23 as well, but the comeback ultimately fell short.
Desmond Michael Bane supported Wagner with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Wendell Carter Jr. added 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Goga Bitadze also chipped in with 12 points. For Milwaukee, Jaime Jaquez Jr. led the away team with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Tyler Christopher Herro finished with 18 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists.
Team statistics and significance
Orlando distributed the ball far more efficiently, recording 29 assists to Milwaukee's 20, while the Bucks committed 16 turnovers. The Magic converted all 14 of their free throws and recorded 6 blocks. Myles Turner posted a double-double for Milwaukee with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Kyle Kuzma contributed 14 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
The result carried particular weight for Orlando in their third NBA Cup game of the season. The Magic were searching for their first home win of the campaign, while Milwaukee arrived having lost eight consecutive games under new head coach Taylor Jenkins. The victory gives the hosts a significant boost in East Group A of the NBA Cup group stage.
