2001 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Game 3 Milwaukee Bucks at Orlando Magic, April 28, 2001

MIL 116 ORL 121 OT A Look Back at the Only Playoff Matchup Between the Magic and Bucks: The T-Mac Era As we reminisce about the history between the Orlando Magic and Milwaukee Bucks, we are transported back to the 2000-01 season—the era of Tracy McGrady's debut with the Magic. This season marked the first and only playoff clash between these two teams. In the first round, the Magic faced off against a formidable Bucks team led by the trio of Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson, and Sam Cassell. Tracy McGrady, in his first season with Orlando, delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring 42 points and dishing out 10 assists to help the Magic stave off elimination. Player of the game: Tracy McGrady, 42 PTS, 14-32 (44 FG%), 14-18 FTM, 8 REB, 10 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK Notable performances: Ray Allen, 27 PTS, 11-20 (55 FG%), 2 3PM, 3 REB, 6 AST, 3 STL, 1 BLK Sam Cassell, 21 PTS, 16 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK Darrell Armstrong, 18 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK Orlando built a 14-point lead in the final quarter, but Milwaukee roared back with a 21-6 run, culminating in Robinson’s jumper that put the Bucks ahead 108-107 with just 15 seconds remaining. However, McGrady answered by driving to the rim and converting a three-point play. Ray Allen’s subsequent dunk tied the game after a missed shot by Mike Miller, sending the contest into overtime. In the extra period, with the Magic trailing 114-113 and under three minutes to play, McGrady once again took charge, scoring four points during a decisive 6-0 run that secured the victory for Orlando. McGrady's heroics were complemented by Darrell Armstrong's 18 points and Pat Garrity's 16 points. Ray Allen led the Bucks with 27 points, six assists, and three steals, while Cassell contributed 21 points and an impressive 16 rebounds. This thrilling playoff matchup remains a significant chapter in the histories of both franchises, showcasing the brilliance of Tracy McGrady and the competitive spirit of both teams.