Bucks Struggle to Match Magic's Physicality in Loss

Milwaukee falls to Orlando 118-99 as the Magic's size and aggression prove too much to handle.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Milwaukee Bucks were unable to overcome the physical play of the Orlando Magic, falling 118-99 in their recent matchup. Despite holding a halftime lead, the Bucks were outmatched in the second half as the Magic's size and defensive intensity disrupted Milwaukee's offense. Head coach Doc Rivers cited the Magic's physicality and ability to blow up the Bucks' guard actions as key factors in the loss.

Why it matters

The Bucks are a smaller team compared to the Magic, who have several large, physical defenders. Milwaukee's inability to match Orlando's aggression and intensity proved to be their downfall in this game, highlighting an area they will need to address if they hope to beat the Magic in their upcoming rematch.

The details

The Bucks had a lead going into halftime, but the Magic imposed their physicality in the second half, taking a double-digit lead into the fourth quarter. From there, Orlando cruised to the victory, leaving the Bucks struggling to keep up. Bucks point guard Kevin Porter Jr., who scored a game-high 27 points, acknowledged that the team needed to match the Magic's physicality better, as the increased aggression led to foul trouble for Milwaukee.

  • The Bucks lost to the Magic 118-99 on February 10, 2026.
  • The teams will have a rematch on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET.

The players

Doc Rivers

Head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Kevin Porter Jr.

Point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks who scored a game-high 27 points in the loss.

Noah Penda

Forward for the Orlando Magic who played a key role in the team's physical defensive effort.

Ousmane Dieng

Forward for the Milwaukee Bucks who struggled to match the Magic's physicality.

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What they’re saying

“I just thought they blew up a lot of our guard actions. They were into our bodies. I thought we got stuck with the ball tonight. I thought their switching affected us. I thought they were first to every loose ball. All the physical plays tonight they made and that's not been us, but tonight it was. And it's no fun when you see it done against you, I can tell you that.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach (si.com)

“They were very physical. We have to match their physicality. In the first quarter, I felt like we were bumping a little bit, but as the game went on, they continued to bump, and we kind of let off. It turned into fouls for them. The more aggressive team gets those calls. We just have to match their physicality next game.”

— Kevin Porter Jr., Point Guard (si.com)

What’s next

The Bucks will have a chance to redeem themselves when they face the Magic again on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET. Milwaukee will need to find a way to match Orlando's physicality if they hope to even the season series.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Bucks' need to improve their physical play and ability to match the intensity of larger, more aggressive opponents like the Magic. If Milwaukee can't find a way to counter Orlando's size and defensive pressure, they may continue to struggle against the team in future matchups.