ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic have officially punched their ticket to the NBA playoffs, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 in the No. 7-8 Play-In Tournament game held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The victory marked a significant achievement for the Magic, who will advance to face the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. This is the first time since the 2018-2020 seasons that Orlando has made consecutive playoff appearances, showcasing a promising resurgence for the franchise.
In a game characterized by a standout performance from their bench, the Magic showcased a well-rounded team effort. Cole Anthony led the way with an impressive 26 points and six assists, coming off the bench to spark the team’s offense. His efficiency was evident, as he shot 10-of-17 from the field, contributing a plus-minus rating of plus-32 in just 20 minutes of play. Fellow reserve Anthony Black also made a significant impact, scoring 16 points on an impressive 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc, and finishing with a plus-34 rating in 28 minutes.
Wendell Carter Jr. added to the Magic’s scoring with 19 points and seven rebounds, further solidifying Orlando's depth. Despite the struggles of their star players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the team found a way to secure the win. Banchero finished the game with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Wagner contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing their ability to contribute even when their shooting isn’t at its best.
Orlando jumped out to an early lead, taking a commanding 32-17 advantage by the end of the first quarter, thanks to a 21-4 run that set the tone for the game. The Hawks, led by Trae Young, who scored 28 points but shot just 8-of-21 from the field, attempted to mount a comeback. Young’s frustration boiled over in the fourth quarter when he received two technical fouls and was ejected, further derailing Atlanta’s chances. The Magic’s defense played a crucial role in limiting the Hawks’ scoring opportunities, holding them to just 38.1% shooting from the field and a mere 19% from three-point range.
After a sluggish third quarter where the Hawks managed to cut the lead to just three points, the Magic responded with a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring Atlanta 41-22. The fourth quarter saw Orlando open with a 25-12 run, effectively sealing their victory and showcasing their resilience under pressure. This ability to weather storms and respond decisively is a hallmark of the team’s character as they head into the playoffs.
"I think our bench really stepped up today, and that’s what we need moving forward," said Anthony after the game. "We have to keep this momentum going into Boston. It’s a great feeling to be back in the playoffs, and we’re ready for the challenge ahead."
As the Magic prepare for their first-round matchup against the Celtics, scheduled to begin on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Boston, the focus will be on improving their offensive consistency. While the team’s defensive prowess has been a strength, the ability to maintain scoring efficiency will be crucial against a formidable opponent like Boston.
Orlando’s path to this point has been marked by ups and downs, but the recent playoff run has reignited hope among fans and players alike. The Magic have shown that they can compete with the best when they play to their strengths, and with the playoffs upon them, the stakes have never been higher.
As the playoffs approach, tickets for the Magic's home games in the first round will go on sale Wednesday, April 16, at 1 p.m. ET, with presale starting at 10 a.m. on the team’s official website. Fans are eager to support their team as they embark on this postseason journey.
The Orlando Magic have made a statement with their performance in the Play-In Tournament, and as they gear up to take on the Celtics, the anticipation is palpable. Can they continue their winning ways and make a deep playoff run? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Magic are back in the postseason spotlight, ready to make their mark.
