The Orlando Magic have made an important statement in their direct duel with the Atlanta Hawks. Led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, they further extended their lead in the race for seventh place.
In an intense playoff-like game, Orlando took control in the fourth quarter and ultimately gave the Atlanta visitors no chance. Paolo Banchero was the outstanding man on court with 33 points and ten rebounds, while Franz Wagner also impressed once more with 22 points. The Berliner took full advantage of the Hawks’ defensive carelessness in the final quarter and played a decisive role in the Magic’s final offensive.
Wendell Carter Jr. also put in a strong performance with 17 points, nine rebounds and six steals. The Magic consistently capitalized on Atlanta’s 18 turnovers to pull away with easy layups, including ones by Wagner and Banchero. A technical foul against Onyeka Okongwu and a 6:0 run in crunch time sealed the game.
Atlanta was carried in offense by Okongwu for a long time, who set his career high with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Trae Young also put in a strong performance with 28 points and ten assists, but the team’s poor three-point field goal percentage (14 of 41) and a lack of defensive stability in the final phase prevented a comeback. While Orlando now has a good chance of playing at home in the play-in, the Hawks have to win all their remaining games this season – including the second leg against the Magic.
