ORLANDO, Fla. — In a thrilling matchup, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered an outstanding performance with 41 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a narrow 109-106 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night. This win came despite a remarkable effort from Paolo Banchero of the Magic, who returned from injury to score 34 points.

Damian Lillard also contributed significantly for the Bucks, netting 29 points, which included crucial free throws that sealed the game with just 9.3 seconds remaining. Banchero, making his comeback after suffering a right oblique tear on October 30, played 27 minutes and added seven rebounds and three assists, shooting 5 of 8 from beyond the arc.

Orlando saw contributions from Cole Anthony, who added 18 points and seven rebounds, while Tristan da Silva contributed 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. For the Bucks, Bobby Portis provided a spark off the bench with 11 points and seven rebounds.

With this victory, the Bucks achieved their third consecutive win, putting them in a close race for fourth place in the Eastern Conference alongside the Magic. Meanwhile, despite maintaining a solid record of 19-15 during Banchero’s 10-week absence, the Magic are still feeling the impact of injuries, missing key players like Jalen Suggs and the Wagner brothers. Their shooting struggles have been costly, especially in tight games against competitive teams.

The game’s pivotal moment came in the final seconds, when Lillard was fouled by Anthony Black while receiving an inbounds pass, maintaining the Bucks’ slim one-point lead. Although the Magic challenged the foul call, the officials confirmed that Black had made contact with both hands.

Statistically, the Bucks managed to shoot 52% from the field, a figure that helped them overcome nine missed free throws, seven of which were from Antetokounmpo himself.

Looking ahead, the Bucks will face the New York Knicks on Sunday, while the Magic will play against the Philadelphia 76ers at home that same evening.