Orlando Magic stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner entered Tuesday’s NBA Play-In Sport averaging a mixed 60-plus-points in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks this season. However, as the 2 struggled to search out their offense, the Magic’s bench stepped up and led them to an 120-95 win.
Cole Anthony got here off the bench to guide Orlando with 26 factors and 6 assists, whereas Anthony Black scored 16 factors on 6-of-7 capturing, and was a game-high plus-34 in 28 minutes. With the victory, the Magic will advance to play in a first-round playoff sequence in opposition to the Boston Celtics beginning on Sunday at Boston.
After leaping out to an early double-digit lead, it appeared as if the Magic would cruise into that 7-seed, however then the Hawks surged out of the half-time break. They lower the margin to 71-68 with three minutes remaining within the third quarter as Orlando’s offense went chilly. It is common for the Magic to have poor offensive stretches throughout video games and that can be an issue transferring ahead. It nearly downed them on Tuesday, however they kicked into gear and did not let Atlanta seize the lead, earlier than blowing the Hawks out of the water within the fourth quarter.
The Magic are likely to make up for his or her lack of offense with top-of-the-line defenses within the NBA. That was on show Tuesday as they held the Hawks to 38.1% capturing from the sphere and 19% from 3-point vary. Whereas Trae Young completed with 28 factors, he was an inefficient 8-of-21 and the Magic bought below his pores and skin to the purpose that he kicked the ball in anger and earned a technical foul within the fourth quarter.
Banchero ended with 17 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, however Orlando will want extra from him if it desires any probability in opposition to Boston.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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