The NBA postseason got underway on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with an exciting clash between the Orlando Magic and the Atlanta Hawks in the Play-In Tournament. The Magic, who entered the postseason as the Southeast Division champions for the second consecutive year, faced a unique challenge this time around. Despite their division title, their .500 record forced them into the Play-In Tournament for the first time in franchise history. The stakes were high, as the winner would secure a spot in the first round of the playoffs to face the formidable Boston Celtics.
As the game tipped off at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Kia Center in Orlando, the atmosphere was electric. Fans filled the arena, eager to see if their team could advance in the postseason. The Magic, having only made the playoffs three times in the last decade, were determined to make a mark this year. On the other hand, the Hawks were looking to capitalize on their fifth straight postseason appearance, hoping to break free from the Play-In curse after their previous year's loss to the Chicago Bulls.
The game started off with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Orlando's starting lineup featured Cory Joseph, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr., while the Hawks countered with Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Mouhamed Gueye, and Onyeka Okongwu. Early on, the Magic's defense proved to be a challenge for Atlanta, who struggled to convert on several opportunities.
By the end of the first quarter, the Magic had established a commanding lead, outscoring the Hawks 32-17. Paolo Banchero and Anthony Black were the standout players for Orlando, each contributing seven points. Banchero, despite not making a field goal, was a perfect 7-for-8 from the free-throw line. The Magic's defense stifled the Hawks, forcing them into tough shots and limiting their offensive rebounds.
As the second quarter progressed, the Magic extended their lead to as much as 21 points, showcasing their ability to capitalize on turnovers and defensive lapses by Atlanta. The Hawks, who ranked near the bottom of the league in turnovers, found themselves in a precarious position. They had averaged 14.3 turnovers per game against Orlando in their previous matchups this season, and it seemed the trend would continue.
However, Atlanta's resilience shone through as they began to cut into the deficit. Trae Young, who had been struggling with his shooting, managed to score a few crucial points, bringing his total to six by halftime. Despite his efforts, he was a game-worst -21 in the first half, highlighting the uphill battle the Hawks faced. The halftime score stood at 61-47 in favor of the Magic.
Wendell Carter Jr. and Trae Young were tied as the game’s leading scorers at halftime, each with 10 points. The Magic's bench had provided a significant spark, with Cole Anthony and Anthony Black combining for 18 points, showcasing the depth of Orlando's roster. The Hawks needed to regroup during the break, and Onyeka Okongwu expressed optimism about their chances, stating, "We gotta get better shots on offense. It's a 48-minute game, we've got a long ways to go but we know we're capable of doing it."
The second half promised to be a battle, with Atlanta looking to rally and Orlando aiming to maintain their momentum. The Magic's strategy had been effective thus far, with their ball movement leading to assists on 13 of their 16 made field goals in the first half. However, the Hawks needed to tighten their defense and limit their turnovers to have any hope of making a comeback.
As the third quarter began, the Hawks knew they had to step up their game. Trae Young, who had previously scored 19, 38, and 28 points in their three matchups against the Magic this season, needed to find his scoring touch. The pressure was on the Hawks' supporting cast, particularly Zaccharie Risacher, who had struggled in earlier games but was identified as crucial for Atlanta's spacing and three-point shooting.
With the crowd behind them, the Magic continued to push the pace, and their defensive intensity made it difficult for the Hawks to find open looks. Atlanta's shooting woes persisted, with the team finishing the first half at just 12-of-32 from the field. The Magic's ability to disrupt Atlanta's offense had them in a comfortable position, but as any basketball fan knows, anything can happen in a playoff game.
As the game progressed into the second half, the Hawks showed signs of life, cutting the deficit to 16 points after a dunk by Georges Niang and a three-pointer from Young. However, the Magic responded quickly, maintaining their lead with timely baskets and solid defense. The tension in the arena was palpable as fans held their breath, hoping for a thrilling finish.
With the clock winding down, both teams knew that every possession mattered. The Magic were determined to hold onto their lead and secure their playoff spot, while the Hawks were fighting for their postseason lives. The stakes could not have been higher, and both teams were leaving it all on the court.
As the game continued, the performance of the Magic’s bench proved vital. Their ability to contribute offensively allowed the starters to rest without losing ground. Meanwhile, the Hawks needed to find a way to rally, as the clock was ticking down and their chances of advancing were slipping away.
In the end, the matchup between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks was more than just a game; it was a battle for survival in the NBA postseason. With the winner advancing to face the Boston Celtics, both teams gave it their all, showcasing the heart and determination that defines playoff basketball.
As the final minutes approached, fans were on the edge of their seats, knowing that the outcome could change in an instant. Would the Magic hold their lead and secure their postseason spot, or could the Hawks pull off a comeback? The excitement was palpable, and the NBA Play-In Tournament had once again delivered a thrilling spectacle.
