In a decisive victory that secured their spot in the playoffs, the Orlando Magic triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 120-95 on April 15, 2025. This win not only marked the Magic's advancement as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference but also set up a challenging first-round matchup against the reigning champions, the Boston Celtics.
Paolo Banchero, the Magic's star player and the 2022 first-overall pick, had a mixed performance in the game. He finished with 17 points, shooting 4-of-13 from the field, while contributing nine rebounds and seven assists in 33 minutes of play. Despite his struggles from the floor, Banchero displayed his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, particularly through his playmaking. "I didn’t have my best shooting night, but I found my teammates in good positions, especially early on," Banchero reflected after the game.
The Magic's victory was characterized by their strong defensive performance, which stifled the Hawks' fast-paced offense. Atlanta, known for its quick scoring ability, managed to score only two fast break points in the first half and a mere four throughout the game. Banchero's ability to draw defensive attention allowed his teammates to step up, especially during the first quarter, where he assisted on five baskets.
Leading the charge for Orlando's bench was Cole Anthony, who exploded for 26 points, helping the Magic's reserves combine for an impressive 57 points overall. This was crucial, especially as the starting lineup struggled, hitting only 3-of-22 from beyond the arc, which is indicative of their season-long issues with three-point shooting. The Magic ranked last in the league in both three-pointers made and percentage during the regular season, which could pose problems as they head into the playoffs.
As the game progressed, the Hawks attempted to mount a comeback, with Trae Young leading the way. Young scored 28 points and dished out six assists before being ejected late in the fourth quarter after expressing frustration with the physicality of the game. His absence was felt, as Atlanta struggled to find scoring options without their star guard.
Looking ahead, the Magic will need to address their shooting woes if they hope to compete with the Celtics in the playoffs. Orlando's ability to grind down opponents may work against lower-seeded teams, but against the Celtics, who ranked second in the league in offensive efficiency, they will need to find a way to score more consistently. Banchero and forward Franz Wagner, who combined for only 30 points against Atlanta, will need to elevate their game significantly.
For the Hawks, the focus shifts to their next matchup as they await the outcome of the game between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat, which will determine who they face in the battle for the eighth seed. Rookie Zaccharie Risacher's performance will be under scrutiny as well; he managed only seven points on 2-of-9 shooting against the Magic. His inconsistency has been a concern, as he averages 9.9 points in Atlanta's nine losses since the beginning of March, compared to 18.4 points in their 13 victories.
The Magic's victory on Tuesday night was a testament to their resilience and depth. While they may not have the offensive firepower of teams like the Celtics, their defensive capabilities and contributions from the bench could make them a tricky opponent in the playoffs. As the postseason looms, all eyes will be on how Orlando adapts and whether they can elevate their game against one of the league's best.
As the dust settles on this Play-In match, the Magic have shown they are ready to compete, but whether they can maintain this level of play against Boston remains to be seen. The first round of the playoffs promises to be an exciting clash, with the Magic looking to prove they belong among the elite in the Eastern Conference.
