Orlando, Florida – In a thrilling match, Cole Anthony led the Orlando Magic to a decisive 120-95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA play-in tournament on Tuesday night. Anthony’s stellar performance off the bench with 26 points and six assists was instrumental in securing the win for the Magic.
Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. also made significant contributions to the Magic’s victory, with Banchero notching 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Carter Jr. added 19 points and seven rebounds. Anthony Black shone with 16 points on an impressive 6-of-7 shooting in the Magic’s debut play-in game.
Following their 41-41 regular season record, the Magic clinched the Eastern Conference’s seventh seed and are set to face the Boston Celtics in a first-round playoff series starting Sunday in Boston. For the Hawks, Trae Young led the charge with 28 points and six assists before receiving two technical fouls and being ejected from the game with 4:47 remaining.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will battle at home on Friday for a shot at the eighth playoff spot against the winner of the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat. Georges Niang’s 15 points and Onyeka Okongwu’s 11 points and nine rebounds were not enough to overcome the Magic’s formidable performance led by Anthony, Banchero, and Carter Jr.
The Magic’s offensive prowess, coupled with staunch defense that limited the Hawks to just two points in the final six minutes of the first quarter, proved to be the winning formula. Anthony, who struggled with injuries throughout the season but excelled in this crucial game, showcased his scoring ability by making 10 of 17 shots, including four out of nine 3-pointers.
The game was a testament to the Magic’s resilience and determination, propelling them to a well-deserved victory and setting the stage for an exciting playoff series against the Celtics. Young’s ejection added a dramatic twist to the matchup, underscoring the intensity and high stakes of the play-in tournament as both teams fought fiercely for a chance to advance in the playoffs.
