On an evening the place Magic forwards Franz Wagner (37 factors) and Paolo Banchero (31) notched 30-plus factors in the identical recreation for simply the second time this season and third time throughout their careers, Orlando faltered late in opposition to the Hawks at Kia Heart on Monday.
Hawks All-Star guard Trae Younger had simply eight factors by way of three quarters however ended with 19 after he posted 11 within the fourth quarter to steer Atlanta to the 112-106 street victory.
In a balanced effort by the Hawks, 5 Atlanta scorers completed in double figures and 5 others ended with no less than eight.
And as Banchero and Wagner mixed for 68, no different Magic scorer completed above 9 factors.
It’s a big consequence as a result of the No. 9 Hawks (26-28) entered the competition simply half-a-game again of the No. 8 Magic within the East.
Monday’s recreation was additionally the primary of 4 between the Southeast Division foes with fewer than 30 video games remaining within the common season.
Orlando (26-29) will wrap up a 3-game homestand Wednesday in opposition to Charlotte within the Magic’s final recreation earlier than the week-long league All-Star break.
What labored
Whether or not it was Wagner driving to the basket whereas counting on his fancy footwork or rookie Tristan da Silva and second-year guard Anthony Black reducing to the basket, the Magic made an effort early to determine driving traces for factors within the paint.
Orlando trailed 44-37 with 5:22 left within the first half however led 57-50 on the break thanks an 11-point second quarter by Wagner, who usually acquired close to the basket to attain.
The Magic totaled 46 factors within the paint on the evening. That each one led to Orlando attending to the foul line the place they shot 20 of 24.
Orlando, which entered capturing a league-low 30.4% from 3, additionally shot 12 of 30 (40%) from past the arc.
What didn’t
The Magic did not handle the basketball after they turned the ball over 18 occasions for 20 Atlanta factors.
The Hawks entered the competition averaging 16.5 opponents’ turnovers — the fourth most within the NBA and solely two spots behind Orlando, which forces 16.7.
Though the Magic turned the ball so much, they have been capable of make up for it after they scored 20 factors off 17 Atlanta turnovers.
Banchero’s large third quarter
Following a 9-point first half, Banchero posted 20 factors within the third quarter, which marked a Magic season-high for a third quarter.
He did this by capturing 4 of 6 from past the arc on an evening when Orlando shot 40% from 3 as a gaggle.
The All-Star ahead was additionally environment friendly on the charity stripe, the place he shot 7 of 8 in 33 minutes.
Monday’s contest was fifth time this season Banchero and Wagner notched 20-plus factors in the identical recreation.
Rookie watch
Going through No. 1 choose and Hawks rookie Zaccharie Risacher for the primary time, da Silva totaled 9 factors off the bench in 16 minutes.
He didn’t miss a free throw (4 of 4), lower to the basket with intent and drilled his lone 3 early within the second quarter.
For Atlanta, Risacher posted 11 factors with 4 assists and a couple of rebounds in 18 minutes throughout his first journey to Orlando.
Jason Beede will be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
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