The Orlando Magic sent the Milwaukee Bucks crashing back to earth after pulling off a 122-110 upset win in Game 1 of their first round clash on Tuesday, August 18 (Wednesday, August 19, Manila time).

Having finished the regular season with the best record not just in the Eastern Conference but the entire NBA, the No. 1 Bucks were expected to overwhelm the No. 8 Magic and sweep their best-of-seven series.

But in a stunning reversal of fortune, the Magic took the Bucks to school with 6 players – led by Nikola Vucevic – scoring in double figures.

Vucevic churned out a game-high 35 points to go with 14 rebounds and 4 assists as he shot an impressive 63% on 24 shots from the field, going 5-of-8 from beyond the arc.

He caught fire early and scored 12 points in a productive first-quarter display that saw the Magic frustrate the Bucks, 33-23.

The Bucks found their bearings in the ensuing quarters and got to within 6 points in the last period, 93-99, but the Magic broke away behind a 19-9 run highlighted by a trio of Evan Fournier three-pointers.

Making the win more impressive, the Magic did not play without ace forward Aaron Gordon, who is dealing with a strained left hamstring.

Terrence Ross had 18 points and 6 rebounds off the bench, Markelle Fultz and Gary Clark made their presence felt with 15 points each, while Fournier finished with 9 points for the Magic.

DJ Augustin put up 11 points and 11 assists in the win.

Reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered 31 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Bucks, who have struggled in the bubble as they now lost 6 of their last 8 games.

George Hill and Eric Bledsoe chipped in 16 and 15 points, respectively, in the losing effort. – Rappler.com