NBA: Bucks vow to match Magic's physicality in rematch

The Milwaukee Bucks will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they face the Orlando Magic for the second time in three days.

Orlando’s 118-99 win over Milwaukee on Monday not only marked the Magic’s third straight victory but also ended the Bucks’ own three-game winning streak.

For Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers, motivation won’t be an issue.

"It's easy -- you're playing the same team," Rivers said. "I love these in some ways; in some ways I don't. I do like that the second game is spirited, more competitive. Guys bump into each other during the game, then they see each other in two days."

Rivers also referenced the recent bench-clearing brawl between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets, jokingly wishing his team had shown more grit against the Magic.

"I wish we had gotten into a fight Monday," he said, partly in jest. "Not literally a fight. I just thought they were the more physical team."

Orlando dominated after halftime, outscoring Milwaukee 67-45, including a lopsided 36-20 third quarter. Their defensive intensity created turnovers that led to 10 fast-break points.

"They were very physical," said Kevin Porter Jr., who scored 28 points. "We've got to match their physicality. First quarter I felt like we were bumping a little bit, but as the game went on, they continued to bump and we kind of let off. It turned into fouls for them. The more aggressive team usually gets those calls. We've just got to match their physicality next game."

Porter promises a more prepared Milwaukee team for the rematch, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a calf injury.

"We're going to be way more prepared come Wednesday," he said. "We don't want to lose to any team twice, so we need that one Wednesday."

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team’s defensive growth but avoided comparing it to the NFL’s elite.

"It's getting there," Mosley said. "It's definitely getting there. It's not necessarily the 'Dark Side' like the Seattle Seahawks' defense, but we're getting there."

Mosley also celebrated a personal milestone. His 172nd win as Magic coach moved him into third place on the franchise’s all-time victories list, surpassing Rivers (171). He trails only Brian Hill (267) and Stan Van Gundy (259).

Anthony Black led the Magic with 26 points, Desmond Bane added 25, and the Wagner brothers — Franz and Moritz — combined for 28 points off the bench.

"I feel good — I feel as I should at this point," said Franz Wagner, who returned from a nine-game absence with a left ankle sprain. "Still working my way back, and obviously got to find a rhythm out there. But pleased with how I played and hopefully helped with the win."

Orlando is aiming for a third straight win over Milwaukee after the Bucks had claimed 19 of the previous 21 matchups.

-Field Level Media/Reuters