ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Orlando Magic made a powerful statement in their first appearance in the NBA Play-In Tournament, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 on Tuesday night. Cole Anthony led the charge off the bench with an impressive 26 points and six assists, showcasing his skills and determination after a season marred by injuries.
Paolo Banchero, the standout rookie for the Magic, contributed significantly with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Wendell Carter Jr. was also a key player, adding 19 points and seven rebounds to the mix. Anthony Black, another bench player, shone brightly as well, scoring 16 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting.
This victory secured the Eastern Conference's seventh seed for the Magic after finishing the regular season with a 41-41 record. With the win, they now look ahead to their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, set to begin this Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Boston's TD Garden.
The Hawks, who have navigated the playoffs through the play-in route in two of the last three seasons, faced a tough night. Trae Young led Atlanta with 28 points and six assists, but his frustration boiled over late in the game, resulting in his ejection after receiving two technical fouls with just 4:47 remaining on the clock.
Despite a brief resurgence in the third quarter, where the Hawks managed to cut the Magic's lead to just three points, they ultimately fell short. The Magic exhibited a commanding performance, leading by as many as 22 points in the first half. The Hawks struggled offensively, scoring only two points in the last six minutes of the first quarter.
Georges Niang added 15 points for Atlanta, while Onyeka Okongwu contributed 11 points and nine rebounds. Dyson Daniels, the Australian rookie, had a quieter night with seven points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, as the Hawks were unable to find their rhythm against the Magic's defense.
Anthony, who averaged just 9.4 points during an injury-plagued regular season, was on fire, making 10 of 17 shots including 4 of 9 from beyond the arc. His performance was crucial in establishing the Magic's dominance throughout the game.
As the Magic prepare for their playoff matchup against the Celtics, they carry momentum from this pivotal win. The team, which has shown resilience and growth this season, is eager to prove themselves in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Hawks will regroup and look to bounce back as they face the winner of the play-in game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat, scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Atlanta will host this crucial contest on Friday night, April 18, 2025, hoping to secure the eighth playoff spot.
Overall, the Magic's victory not only signifies their return to the playoffs for the second consecutive season but also highlights the potential of their young roster. With players like Anthony, Banchero, and Black stepping up, Orlando fans have much to be excited about.
As the postseason unfolds, the stakes are high, and the Magic will look to continue their winning ways against the Celtics, while the Hawks aim to keep their playoff hopes alive in the coming days.
