The NBA Play-In Tournament kicked off with a bang on Tuesday night as the Orlando Magic faced off against the Atlanta Hawks at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. The stakes were high, with both teams fighting for a coveted spot in the playoffs, and the atmosphere was electric as fans packed the arena for what promised to be an exciting matchup.
In a decisive performance, the Magic emerged victorious with a commanding 120-95 win over the Hawks, securing the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. This win sets up a first-round clash against the defending champion Boston Celtics, while the Hawks will have to fight for their playoff lives in an elimination game on Friday.
The Magic took control early, establishing a strong defensive presence and dominating the boards. They built a substantial lead, going ahead by as many as 22 points in the first half. The Hawks managed to claw back, reducing their deficit to 61-47 by halftime, thanks in part to a spirited effort from star guard Trae Young, who scored 12 points in the third quarter.
However, the Magic’s Cole Anthony had other plans. Coming off the bench, he led the charge in the second half, finishing the game with a team-high 26 points. Anthony Black also made significant contributions, adding 16 points as the duo combined to shoot an impressive 16 of 24 from the field and 7 of 12 from three-point range.
Despite the Hawks’ efforts to rally, including a brief stretch where they closed the gap to 71-68, the Magic quickly regained control and extended their lead back to 15 points midway through the fourth quarter. The game took a turn for the worse for Atlanta when Young was ejected late in the fourth for kicking a dead ball away from an official, sealing the Hawks’ fate.
With this victory, the Magic advance to face the Celtics, who are poised and ready for the challenge. The Celtics, the No. 2 seed, will be a tough opponent for Orlando, but the Magic will be riding high on their recent success.
As for the Hawks, they will now face the winner of the upcoming game between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls on Friday, April 18, for a chance to secure the No. 8 seed and take on the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. The pressure is on for Atlanta, and they will need every ounce of energy and skill to keep their playoff hopes alive.
This matchup was particularly interesting as both teams had split their regular-season series, with each game being closely contested. The Hawks had entered this play-in game with a record of 40-42, while the Magic finished at 41-41, making this a true battle of equals.
Before the game, discussions centered around the importance of Trae Young’s performance. Averaging 24.2 points per game and leading the league in assists with 11.6 per night, Young was expected to be the key to the Hawks’ success. However, the Magic’s defense proved too much for him to handle, especially with the added pressure of the play-in stakes.
Additionally, rookie sensation Zaccharie Risacher, who celebrated his 20th birthday just days prior, was also in the spotlight. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Risacher has been a bright spot for the Hawks, averaging 12.6 points and 3.6 rebounds this season. His performance will be crucial as the Hawks look to regroup and prepare for their next challenge.
As the NBA Play-In Tournament continues, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups, with the stakes only getting higher. The action will resume on Wednesday with the Miami Heat taking on the Chicago Bulls, determining who will face the Hawks in their elimination game.
As the playoffs approach, the excitement is palpable. Will the Magic be able to carry their momentum into the first round against the Celtics? Can the Hawks bounce back and secure their playoff spot against the winner of the Heat vs. Bulls? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the NBA Play-In Tournament is delivering the drama and intensity that fans crave.
