In the Hawks vs Magic play-in matchup, the Orlando Magic put on a dominant performance to defeat the Atlanta Hawks, 120-95, and secure the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
Bench Boost: Cole Anthony and Anthony Black Spark Magic’s Victory
Cole Anthony stole the spotlight with a game-high 26 points and six assists after coming off the bench. His energy and scoring touch proved crucial, especially in the second half, helping Orlando gain control after a brief rally by the Hawks. Alongside him, Anthony Black made a key contribution by scoring 16 points on near-perfect shooting, solidifying Orlando’s strong performance off the bench.
Orlando started off the Hawks vs Magic contest in style, jumping out to a double-digit lead with stifling defense and aggressive rebounding. Paolo Banchero put up a stellar performance, scoring 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. had 19 points and seven boards.
The Magic were ahead by 14 points at halftime, but Atlanta’s game wasn’t over yet. Led by Trae Young, who scored 28 points and dished out six assists, the Hawks mounted a comeback in the third quarter. A 26-18 lead in favor of Atlanta narrowed the gap to just three points, putting pressure on Orlando to respond.
That response came immediately — inspired again by Anthony and Black. The two combined to make 16 of 24 shots from the field, including seven three-pointers. Their offensive explosion put the Magic in complete control by the start of the fourth quarter, and from there Orlando never looked back.
The final minutes of the Hawks vs Magic contest saw frustration boil over for Atlanta, as Young received two technical fouls and was ejected with less than five minutes to play. That moment put an end to Atlanta’s hopes of a comeback, as Orlando cruised to a comfortable 25-point win.
The win would mark a milestone for the Magic—this is their first play-in tournament, and they made the most of it. They will now face the second-place Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, with Game 1 on Sunday in Boston.
The result of Hawks vs Magic has put Atlanta in a must-win position. Still holding onto playoff hopes, they will now host the winner of the upcoming Heat vs. Bulls play-in game. The winner of that final matchup will get the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed and a date with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round.
Despite the loss, Atlanta also had contributions beyond Young. Georges Niang scored 15 points, and Onyeka Okongwu nearly had a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds. However, a slow start and defensive lapses ultimately doomed their chances in this Hawks vs Magic matchup.
Highlights
Video Source:- NBA Official youtube Channel
Orlando’s success was based not just on individual efforts, but also on a cohesive team strategy. Their physicality on the boards, sharp passing and resilience under pressure all contributed to a win that could make them a dangerous opponent going forward.
Bench depth, especially with players like Cole Anthony, could be a game changer in the playoffs. If they can keep up this level of performance, the Magic could surprise those who underestimate their ability to make it to the postseason.
As the dust settles on this Hawks vs Magic matchup, Orlando moves forward with momentum and confidence, while Atlanta faces the pressure of an elimination game. One team moves forward. The other must fight to stay alive.
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