Cam Thomas and Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks to a thrilling 116-108 victory over the Magic, with Thomas scoring 34 points in his second game with the team. Thomas, a recent free-agent signing, showcased his shooting prowess, making 12 of 20 shots and hitting four 3-pointers in 39 minutes. Porter Jr. had a career-defining performance, achieving his fifth triple-double with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Bucks' dominance on the boards was highlighted by Jericho Sims and Ousmane Dieng, who combined for 34 points and a 47-30 rebound advantage.
The Magic's star, Desmond Bane, put up a strong fight with 31 points, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs contributed 17 and 16 points, respectively, with Suggs adding four steals. The game saw a back-and-forth battle, with Thomas and Bane trading baskets. Thomas' 15 points in the third quarter, including a crucial 3-pointer, gave the Bucks an 88-80 lead. However, Bane responded with eight straight points, including a 3-pointer to tie the game at 104 with 3:02 left.
The Bucks' Kyle Kuzma then took charge with a crucial layup, putting Milwaukee ahead for good at 108-106. Myles Turner and Thomas sealed the deal with back-to-back 3-pointers in the final minute. The Bucks' next challenge awaits as they travel to Oklahoma City on Thursday, while the Magic will look to bounce back at Sacramento on February 19th.
