NBA Play-In Recap: Orlando Advances to Face Boston

Orlando Dominates Atlanta

In an electrifying match during the NBA play-in tournament, the Orlando Magic secured a decisive victory over the Atlanta Hawks, winning 120-95. This impressive performance allows the Magic to advance to the first round of the playoffs, where they will face the Boston Celtics. The game took place late Tuesday night, marking a significant step for Orlando as they aim to make a deeper playoff run.

Fans in attendance chanted, “We want Boston!” after the game concluded, signaling their anticipation for the upcoming matchup. Orlando will begin their playoff journey against Boston, who awaits their arrival after a solid regular season.

Key Performers

Orlando’s success can be attributed to standout performances from several key players. Cole Anthony led the charge, scoring 26 points and dishing out 6 assists in just 20 minutes of play. He was particularly instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 points and helping his team outscore Atlanta 41-22.

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner also contributed significantly, combining for 30 points, along with important contributions from Wendell Carter Jr. (19 points) and Anthony Black (16 points, 4 assists) off the bench.

In contrast, Atlanta’s star player Trae Young struggled throughout the contest. Despite scoring 28 points, Young was inefficient, shooting only 38% from the field and receiving a technical foul during the game, putting him at risk of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

What’s Next for Atlanta

Following their loss, the Hawks will await the outcome of the matchup between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat, which will determine who they will face next for a chance to remain in the playoff contention.

As the NBA playoffs approach, both teams prepare for crucial challenges ahead, with Orlando looking to leverage their momentum against a tough Boston team, while Atlanta contemplates their future options following a disappointing play-in performance.

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