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Orlando Magic Upset Atlanta Hawks in Play-In Tournament Thriller
The Orlando Magic shocked the Atlanta Hawks with a decisive 120-95 victory in their Play-In Tournament matchup, securing their spot in the 2025 NBA Playoffs as the seventh seed in the East. This dominant performance showcased the Magic's balanced attack and strong defense, leaving the Hawks fighting for survival in a do-or-die game.
Magic's Stellar Team Effort
Cole Anthony ignited the Magic's offense off the bench, scoring 26 points and dishing out 6 assists. Paolo Banchero contributed a near triple-double with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 19 points. This balanced scoring proved too much for the Hawks to handle. The Magic's efficient shooting (46.8% from the field) contrasted sharply with Atlanta's struggles (40%).
Hawks Struggle Despite Trae Young's Efforts
Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points, but his performance was overshadowed by a late-game ejection following two technical fouls. The Hawks' offense sputtered, particularly from beyond the arc (21.4% from three), hampered by the Magic's stifling defense. Atlanta’s inability to generate consistent scoring from players other than Young proved costly.
What's Next?
The Magic advance to face the Boston Celtics in the first round, a challenging but exciting matchup. Meanwhile, the Hawks face elimination, needing a win in their next game to stay alive in the postseason. This unexpected outcome sets the stage for an intense remaining Play-In Tournament and a captivating first-round series between Orlando and Boston.
Listen Live:
Missed the game? Catch the replay or listen to future games on SiriusXM NBA Radio (Ch. 86) and ESPN Xtra (Ch. 81).
