Bucks Defeat Magic in Final Minutes After Missed Dunk

Cam Thomas scores 34 points off the bench to lead Milwaukee to victory

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic 116-108 on Wednesday, snapping the Magic's three-game winning streak. Cam Thomas scored 34 points off the bench for the Bucks, while Desmond Bane led the Magic with 31 points, including a career-high 8 three-pointers. The game was tied at 106 late, but the Bucks pulled away after the Magic's Paolo Banchero missed a crucial dunk attempt.

Why it matters

This game highlights the fine margins in the NBA, where a single missed opportunity can swing the outcome. The Bucks were able to capitalize on the Magic's missed dunk and pull out the victory, underscoring the importance of making plays in crunch time.

The details

The Bucks were led by Cam Thomas, who scored 34 points off the bench, including 4-of-6 shooting from three-point range. Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points and 11 assists for Milwaukee. For the Magic, Desmond Bane had a huge game with 31 points, including 8 three-pointers. Paolo Banchero scored 17 points, and Jalen Suggs had 16 points and 10 assists.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Cam Thomas

A 34-point scorer off the bench for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Desmond Bane

The Orlando Magic's leading scorer, with 31 points including a career-high 8 three-pointers.

Paolo Banchero

The Magic's young star who missed a crucial dunk attempt late in the game.

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What they’re saying

“We must capitalize on every opportunity in close games like this. That missed dunk was a turning point, and we were able to take advantage.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Forward (yardbarker.com)

“It's tough to lose a game like that, but we'll learn from this experience. We had our chances, and we'll be better next time.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic Head Coach (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The Bucks will look to build on this win as they continue their playoff push, while the Magic will aim to bounce back in their next game.

The takeaway

This game showcased the fine line between winning and losing in the NBA, with a single missed opportunity proving costly for the Magic. Both teams will look to learn from this experience and make the necessary adjustments to succeed in future close games.