Orlando (United States) (AFP)
Orlando (N.8), carried by the imposing Nikola Vucevic (35 pts, 13 rebounds) created the first big surprise of the 1st round of the play-offs by beating (122-110) Milwaukee, unrecognizable seed N.1 in the East, Tuesday for their first duel.
The series is obviously far from over, but the Bucks, confirmed candidates for the title, will have to quickly pull themselves together or face a very huge disappointment well before the time.
Apart from the offensive contribution of Giannis Antetokounmpo (31 pts, 17 rebounds, 7 assists) he lacked everything in Milwaukee to hold his rank: first of all the defensive impact, inherent in the play-off context, then this collective fluidity which is usually also its strength.
Very limited, his game was reduced to finding the "Greek Freak" where to water at long distance in first intention (31% success) without turning the ball or varying his offensives.
Under these conditions, the Magic had a great time, delivering a real knockout phase match, with a physical commitment to match, like Markelle Fultz (15 pts), merciless blocker on Giannis and author of a involuntary nudge that made Kyle Korver's nose bleed on a penetration.
The Florida team which plays "at home" in the bubble at Disney World, admittedly without its fans, has led the debate throughout, with up to 18 points ahead. Not really at the party offensively, Evan Fournier found the basket for the first time on his 5th three-point shot at 4:45 from the end (112-97).
Released, it was he who added two streamers behind the arc in the last three minutes to finish with 9 points (5 assists), on two school systems visible from miles away, except by the defense of Bucks decidedly to subscribers absent, otherwise resigned. Which is not better.
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