Jalen Suggs was in low spirits after the Orlando Magic suffered a 114-109 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks during the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 7, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) shoots a three-point basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (24) during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
The one-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team member stepped up big for Orlando since they were without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Jalen Suggs finished with 32 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and three three-pointers on 12-for-26 shooting from the field in 38 minutes of action, but it wasn’t enough for them to eke out a win.
“We fought, played hard, we withstood runs, withstood adversity, and for that, I’m proud of every man up and down the roster,” Suggs said via Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. “Everybody did everything tonight to give ourselves a chance to win. It hurts knowing that. To have that opportunity, knowing that everybody did everything they could. They fought through injuries, hurt, and fatigue. All we needed was one bucket.”
Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks guard Malik Beasley (5) and center Brook Lopez (11) during the first half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Suggs briefly exited the game during the third quarter with an apparent right thumb injury. However, he returned and put on a show for Orlando in the final period by scoring 18 of his 32 points to nearly steal the game from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks star duo was too much for the Orlando Magic
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard delivered a dominant performance for the Milwaukee Bucks to avoid the upset. The Greek Freak had 37 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and four blocks on 15-for-24 shooting from the field. Dame Time added 28 points, two rebounds, and nine assists on 8-for-15 shooting from the field and 10-for-10 shooting from the charity stripe.
Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Dec 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after the Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Khris Middleton was held scoreless by the Orlando Magic, but the three-time NBA All-Star tallied four rebounds, eight assists, and three steals to help make up for his off-night.
The Milwaukee Bucks will face the Atlanta Hawks, who defeated the New York Knicks in the quarterfinals, next in the semis.