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Milwaukee Bucks Look to Close out Playoff Series vs Orlando Magic

By Brian Sampson

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives past Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic during the second half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 24, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives past Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic during the second half of an NBA basketball first round playoff game at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 24, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks will be looking for the gentleman’s sweep against the Orlando Magic in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

The Milwaukee Bucks have another matinee game against the Orlando Magic, the fourth time in five games for their first-round playoff series. This time, they’re going for the gentleman’s sweep against an undermanned and overwhelmed opponent.

Orlando shocked the NBA world in Game 1, by solidly handling the Bucks on their way to a double-digit victory. They shot the lights out and head coach Steve Clifford unveiled a successful gameplan against Giannis Antetokoump and the Bucks’ offense.

However, Milwaukee figured things out and got back to doing what they do–playing elite defense. They tried some new schemes against Orlando in Game 1 that backfired, prompting them to go back to their elite drop-scheme coverage. That appears to have turned the tide as they’ve now won three straight games and look to close out the series on Wednesday afternoon.

Antetokounmpo has found his groove, scoring with hyper-efficiency in the last two games. After going 12-14 with 35 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in Game 3, he dropped 31 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists on Orlando’s head in Game 4. What’s next for the newly announced Defensive Player of the Year?

The Bucks’ biggest question mark is Khris Middleton, who’s struggled mightily throughout this series. He entered Game 4’s fourth quarter with just three points before exploding for 18 points in a closer-than-expected game. His teammates have the utmost confidence in him and hope this sparks his future performances.

The Magic deserve all the credit in the world. Despite being undermanned, they haven’t given up and continue to scratch and claw in every game. Even when Milwaukee has built big leads, they’ve battled back and made the Bucks earn every victory. Don’t expect anything to change in Game 5.

Next. Middleton Gets Hot after 4th Quarter Pep Talk from Giannis. dark

It’s important for the Bucks to stay focused. The Miami Heat already closed out their series against the Indiana Pacers in four games and are patiently awaiting their likely matchup with the Bucks. Miami presents unique challenges for Milwaukee, but the Bucks’ first step is to win the game in front of them. Let’s see if they can close the Magic out on Wednesday afternoon.

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