The Orlando Magic are formally headed to the NBA playoffs. Behind a 26-point efficiency from Cole Anthony and a smothering group defensive effort, the Magic defeated the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 on Tuesday night time within the first Jap Convention play-in sport.
With the win, Orlando clinched the No. 7 seed and a first-round matchup with the reigning champion Boston Celtics.
“It’s an ideal alternative to play in opposition to one of the best group within the league,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley mentioned. “They’re the champs nonetheless till any person beats ’em. What they current is plenty of challenges, and now we have to attempt to discover a option to determine that out.”
The Magic took management early and by no means let go. They constructed a 22-point lead within the first half behind Anthony’s shot-making and Wendell Carter Jr.’s two-way affect, who completed with 19 factors and 7 rebounds. Sophomore stud Anthony Black additionally gave the Magic a significant enhance off the bench, scoring 16 factors on 6-of-7 capturing and serving to stabilize the second unit with aggressive protection and a dependable choice to assault downhill.
Cole Anthony Offers A Spark
WHAT A SEQUENCE, COLE ANTHONY 😤 pic.twitter.com/LoQBR0dxJQ
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 16, 2025
Whereas Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner struggled to search out rhythm at instances, Anthony — who averaged simply 9.4 factors throughout an up-and-down season — offered the distinction.
“They went on their very own run and we weathered the storm,” Anthony mentioned. “We didn’t allow them to again within the sport from that time on. We bought stops, we pushed the tempo, and we held a very good offensive group to 95 factors.”
Anthony shot 10-of-17 from the sphere, together with 4-of-9 from three, and dished out six assists. He emphasised the significance of getting the possibility to contribute in such an vital sport.
“It meant loads,” Anthony mentioned. “It was a giant sport. I used to be simply comfortable to make the rotation. I didn’t know Mose was going to rock with me tonight. However this was simply an superior sport to be part of.”
Mosley praised Anthony’s resilience all through a difficult season.
“He performs fearlessly and that’s how we want him to proceed to play,” Mosley mentioned. “His resiliency, his toughness, his spark that he offers this group off the bench — it’s what we want.”
The Magic constructed a 56-34 lead late within the second quarter, suffocating the Hawks defensively and profitable practically each loose-ball battle. Atlanta trimmed the deficit to only three late within the third quarter, however Orlando responded with a fast run that reestablished management.
Banchero added 17 factors, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, whereas Wagner added 13 factors and 13 rebounds, however the two shot a mixed 10-of-28 from the ground and missed eight 3-pointers. Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 19 factors and 7 rebounds.
A transition lob from Anthony to Black sparked the gang and sealed momentum for good.
“The group got here collectively on the court docket once they went on the run,” Mosley mentioned. “Our means to not let that rattle us after which dig in on the defensive finish and get out and get some simple baskets — that created the momentum.”
Frustration Boils Over For Hawks
Trae Younger’s ejection from final night time for trolling the refspic.twitter.com/IU6GNZOKTa
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 16, 2025
Trae Younger led the Hawks with 28 factors and 6 assists however was ejected with 4:47 remaining after throwing a tough cross at referee James Williams after which delaying the free throw sequence by kicking the ball earlier than it reached an official.
“He acquired his second unsportsmanlike technical foul for kicking the ball away and making a mockery of the sport,” Williams mentioned postgame. “By rule, when the participant receives two unsportsmanlike fouls, he’s ejected.”
Younger took accountability afterward and mentioned his actions stemmed from frustration with officiating and a motivation to face up for teammates.
“I informed the group I used to be sticking up for the squad,” Younger mentioned. “I’m not gonna let the refs frustrate me like that in our subsequent sport. I do know we gotta win or go residence subsequent sport and I’m gonna be prepared.”
The Hawks had been whistled for 18 fouls in comparison with 25 for the Magic. Younger particularly referenced teammate Dyson Daniels being on the fallacious finish of what he believed had been missed calls.
“It’s not only for me — it’s for my teammates,” Younger mentioned. “Dyson Daniels is probably not a family identify but, however he deserves the identical respect. Should you see a foul, name a foul.”
Head coach Quin Snyder mentioned Younger addressed the group postgame and “owned” his habits.
“He’s fast to personal that,” Snyder mentioned. “However the sport was out of hand at that time. Once more, that is playoff basketball. There’s going to be adversity, and now we have to proceed to deal with it in a means that may energy by way of.”
What’s Subsequent?
Orlando will tackle the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics in Sport certainly one of their first-round playoff collection on Sunday. The Magic completed the regular-season collection 2-1, though Boston rested its core gamers in the latest assembly on April 9.
Banchero downplayed any rigidity forward of going through his offseason exercise accomplice, Jayson Tatum.
“I believe one of the best ways for me to indicate my respect is to offer him my finest effort and go at him as a lot as I can,” Banchero mentioned. “I’m excited for the matchup and simply excited to be within the playoffs generally.”
The Hawks will host the winner of Wednesday’s Chicago Bulls versus Miami Warmth matchup on Friday to find out the eighth seed within the East. The winner will face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
