In a commanding performance, the Orlando Magic secured their spot in the NBA playoffs by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 in the Play-in Tournament held at the Kia Center in Orlando on April 15, 2025. This victory not only marked a significant achievement for the Magic but also set them up for a first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics.
The game was characterized by the Magic's strong offensive display and solid defense, allowing them to dominate the Hawks throughout the match. By halftime, the Magic had established a 61-47 lead, driven by a balanced scoring effort and effective ball movement. Orlando shot 46.8% from the field compared to Atlanta's 40%, showcasing their efficiency and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Leading the charge for the Magic was Wendell Carter Jr., who ended the game with 22 points, shooting 9-of-14 from the field and contributing 8 rebounds. His presence in the paint was crucial, as he consistently found ways to score and create second-chance opportunities for his team. "We came out with a plan, and it worked well," Carter Jr. said after the game. "We knew what was at stake, and we executed it perfectly.”
Another standout for the Magic was Paolo Banchero, who, despite struggling with his shooting early in the game, finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Banchero's ability to facilitate the offense and draw fouls helped him get to the free-throw line, where he converted 7 of 8 attempts. "I just tried to stay aggressive and make plays for my teammates," Banchero stated. "It’s all about team effort, and we showed that tonight."
As the game progressed, the Hawks found themselves unable to keep pace with the Magic's scoring. Atlanta's star guard Trae Young had a rocky outing, finishing with 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting. Young struggled to find his rhythm early, going 3-for-11 in the first half and facing relentless pressure from Orlando's defense. "We just didn’t execute the way we needed to," Young admitted. "They were the better team tonight, and we have to learn from this moving forward."
Despite a valiant effort from the Hawks, who attempted to rally in the second half, the Magic maintained control. With 7:24 left in the third quarter, the score was 68-57 in favor of Orlando. Atlanta's attempts to chip away at the lead were thwarted by timely scoring from the Magic, including a 3-pointer from Cole Anthony that pushed the lead back to 15 points.
In addition to Carter Jr. and Banchero, Anthony provided a significant boost off the bench, scoring 18 points, including several key three-pointers. His ability to stretch the floor opened up driving lanes for Banchero and others, creating a multi-faceted offensive attack. "I just wanted to come in and make an impact," Anthony commented. "We’ve worked hard all season for this moment, and it feels great to get the win."
On the other side, the Hawks were unable to find consistent scoring options. Their bench failed to provide the necessary support, and the team struggled with turnovers, finishing with 15 for the game. The lack of offensive cohesion was evident as Atlanta shot only 21.4% from beyond the arc, converting just 3 of 14 attempts. "We need to be better in all aspects of the game," Hawks coach Nate McMillan reflected. "Tonight was a tough lesson, but we still have a chance to fight for a spot in the playoffs."
As the game drew to a close, the Magic continued to extend their lead. The fourth quarter saw Dominick Barlow and Goga Bitadze make crucial contributions, with Barlow scoring 10 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. The Magic's depth proved to be a decisive factor, as they outscored the Hawks bench significantly.
The final moments of the game were marked by a sense of celebration for the Magic, who were able to rest key players as they approached the final buzzer. The victory solidified their place as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, setting up a challenging first-round series against the No. 2 Boston Celtics. "We’re excited about the opportunity ahead of us," Carter Jr. said. "We know it won’t be easy, but we’re ready to compete."
As for the Hawks, they now face a do-or-die situation in their next game as they seek to keep their playoff hopes alive. With their season on the line, they will need to regroup and come out with a renewed focus and determination. "We have one more shot, and that’s all we need," Young concluded. "We’ll be ready to fight."
With the Magic advancing and the Hawks facing elimination, the stakes have never been higher as the NBA Play-in Tournament continues. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this thrilling postseason saga.
