Orlando Magic SHOCK Atlanta Hawks in Play-In Tournament!
Okay, seriously, who saw THAT coming? The Orlando Magic just absolutely destroyed the Atlanta Hawks in their Play-In Tournament game, winning 120-95. They weren't just playing well; they were dominating. It secured them the seventh seed in the East and a spot in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Talk about a statement game!
A Total Team Effort from Orlando
Cole Anthony came off the bench and lit it up, scoring 26 points and dishing out 6 assists. He was incredible! Paolo Banchero was practically everywhere, nearly getting a triple-double with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. And Wendell Carter Jr.? He chipped in 19 points. It wasn't just one star player carrying the team; it was a complete, balanced performance. Their shooting was on point too – 46.8% from the field. Meanwhile, the Hawks struggled to find their rhythm, managing just 40%.
Trae Young's Night Takes a Turn
Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points, but honestly, it felt like a losing battle from the start. The Magic's defense was just smothering. And to make matters worse for Atlanta, Trae got ejected late in the game after picking up two technical fouls. You know how sometimes things just spiral? That's what happened to Atlanta. Their three-point shooting was abysmal (21.4%), and they just couldn't get anyone else besides Trae to consistently score.
What Happens Next? A Seriously Epic Showdown
The Magic are moving on to face the Boston Celtics in the first round. That's a tough matchup, no doubt. But after tonight's performance, who's betting against them? The Hawks, on the other hand, are facing elimination. They need a win in their next game just to stay alive in the postseason. This Play-In Tournament is going to be nail-biting, and the Orlando-Boston series is going to be one for the ages!
Missed the Game? No Problem!
If you missed this incredible upset, don't worry! You can catch a replay or listen to future games on SiriusXM NBA Radio (Ch. 86) and ESPN Xtra (Ch. 81). You really don't want to miss what's coming next.
