National Basketball Association

Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways From 104-96 Win Over the Orlando Magic

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:22 p.m. ET

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The Milwaukee Bucks took a one game road trip to Orlando and came away with a 104-96 victory. What were the key takeaways from the game? Let’s take a look.

Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks have struggled on occasion this season to bring the requisite intensity from the opening tip.

A perfect example of this struggle occurred last week in similar circumstances, against this same Orlando Magic team. Then, too, the Bucks were coming off a tight, hard fought contest against an upper-echelon team, with another strong team awaiting in their next game.

In what could optimistically be seen as a sign of growth, in Sunday’s game the Bucks avoided repeating the mistakes of a week ago and turned in a solid effort right from the start.

Though the end result was not tremendously different, the feel of the game certainly was.

So what were the key takeaways from the victory over the Magic? Let’s take a closer look.

Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Henson Doin’ Work

After receiving a DNP-CD Friday against Toronto, John Henson got the start on Sunday in Orlando. And he responded with his best game of the season. Henson scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 28 minutes of action. He also blocked three shots.

Many of Henson’s baskets came via the pick and roll, and it looked as though the ball-handlers in the pick and roll action were making a concerted effort to find him at the rim. Henson also did a great job of presenting himself as an option when teammates penetrated the lane. Overall, he was really active and effective on both ends of the court.

This is the version of John Henson that Bucks fans are always hoping to see, but rarely do due to inconsistencies in focus and playing time. Hopefully Henson will get a chance to build on this performance, though it is impossible to predict whether he will get the opportunity.

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Are You Kidd-ing Me?

Along with his inconsistent use of the three big-money centers on the team, it seems like Jason Kidd is good for at least one head-scratcher of a lineup per game. In this game, he opened the fourth quarter with Brogdon, Terry, Teletovic, Beasley and Monroe.

While they held their own this evening against the offensively challenged Orlando Magic, to ask this much of bench may be setting them up for failure.

While the lineup cited above certainly has some scoring punch, there are defensive questions all over the court. With that said, the bench did do an excellent job giving the team what was needed.

Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Bring In The Bench

In spite of the inconsistencies in the rotation, the Bucks bench turned in another solid performance, led by Michael Beasley, Malcolm Brogdon and Greg Monroe.

All told, the Bucks’ bench scored 42 points in the game, with 36 of those coming from the aforementioned trio.

These contributions allowed the Bucks to win a game where Giannis and Jabari combined for only 27 points, which is a really nice luxury to have.

Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

More Than Just A Scorer

For the first time this season, Jabari Parker did not score in double figures, finishing the night with only nine points. However, he was able to contribute a strong effort in ways that he did not really seem capable of in seasons past. Jabari had four assists and seven rebounds in the game, and he was aggressive in attacking the basket to move the ball, instead of forcing up tough shots. He played more under control in those situations, and he also worked hard on defense.

Giannis also had a below average scoring night, but per usual, he did a bit of everything for the Bucks on Sunday. Giannis had nine rebounds, three blocks, four assists and a steal to go along with his 18 points.

I think it is a good sign for this team that their young stars can find ways to contribute to a victory without pouring in a ton of points. Of course, for this to happen, others on the team need to pick up some of the scoring slack, which Henson and the bench three were able to do on this occasion.