The Orlando Magic secured their place in the first round of the NBA playoffs with a decisive 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament on Tuesday. Cole Anthony’s impressive 26-point performance off the bench propelled the Magic to victory, earning them the seventh seed and a highly anticipated series against the Boston Celtics. �
The Magic’s bench depth proved to be a critical factor in the win, with Anthony and Anthony Black combining for 42 points and seven three-pointers. Orlando’s strong performance sets up a challenging playoff series against the second-seeded Boston Celtics, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks will face the winner of the Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat play-in game on Friday, battling for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. �
Orlando displayed a disciplined performance on both ends of the court, showcasing their confidence as they prepare to face the defending conference champions. Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic starters with 19 points, while Paolo Banchero contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Franz Wagner also delivered a strong performance with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists. �
Trae Young led the Hawks with 28 points, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Orlando’s balanced attack. Young was ejected late in the fourth quarter. �
The game started with a back-and-forth first quarter, but Orlando seized control with an 18-4 run, establishing a 32-17 lead heading into the second quarter. Although Atlanta managed to close the gap to three points in the third period, Orlando’s dominant 41-21 fourth-quarter performance sealed the victory.
The Magic’s convincing win has set the stage for an exciting playoff series against the Boston Celtics, while the Hawks face a crucial play-in game to keep their playoff hopes alive.
