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 Ersan Ilyasova added 20 points and 11 rebounds for Milwaukee, which ended a three-game losing streak. Brandon Jennings had 15 points and 14 assists.
The Bucks ended the game on a 30-12 lead to pull out the victory over the Magic, who led most of the game. Orlando has lost seven of its last nine games.
Arron Afflalo scored 24 points and rookie Maurice Harkless had a career-high 23 for the Magic. Nikola Vucevic added 20 points and 15 rebounds in the loss.
Orlando was up 97-85 midway through the final quarter, but back-to-back 3-pointers by Ellis cut the lead to six points. A fast-break dunk by Ellis later in the quarter off a slick feed from Jennings brought the Bucks to 101-99.
Afflalo then connected for a 3 to make it 104-99 before Ellis made another 3-pointer to again slice the lead to two. The teams exchanged baskets until an Orlando missed shot led to an Ilyasova layup at the other end off an assist from Jennings to tie it at 108. Harkless made one of two free throws to put Orlando ahead 109-108 with 1:08 remaining.
On the ensuing possession, Larry Sanders made a hook shot to send the Bucks in front 110-109. Jameer Nelson missed a shot and Ellis sank his fifth 3 of the quarter to put the Bucks up 113-109 with 13 seconds remaining.
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A five-second violation on Orlando gave the Bucks the ball again. J.J. Redick added two free throws as the lead grew to the final margin of 115-109.
The Bucks began the game by missing 11 of their first 13 shots while the Magic failed to connect on nine of their first 12 attempts. Orlando improved its shooting and led 25-18 after the period.
The Bucks' shooting woes continued in the second quarter. Milwaukee finished the first half shooting just 30 percent and trailed 54-44. The Bucks opened the third quarter on a 7-0 run, cutting its halftime deficit to three points. The Magic rebuilt the lead to 13 late in the quarter. Orlando was up 81-70 going into the fourth quarter.
NOTES: The Bucks entered the game with a 7-0 record at home on St. Patrick's Day. ... Magic rookie forward Andrew Nicholson returned after missing Friday night's game and not practicing Saturday while quarantined because of illness. ... Milwaukee's Luc Richard Mbah a Moute missed his fourth consecutive game with a turf toe injury. ... Marquis Daniels, who scored 14 points against Miami on Friday night, started in his place. ... The rare noon start required the teams to alter their routines. Orlando coach Jacque Vaughn said, "It's just different. Do you go to bed earlier? When do you wake up to eat? How much do you eat? Routinewise, it throws you off."
[Associated
Press; By RICH ROVITO]
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