NBA Play-In: Magic beat Hawks

The first NBA Play-In game is complete. The Orlando Magic have emerged victorious over the Atlanta Hawks, winning 120-95. This game appeared to be a runaway for the Magic early on, but the Hawks did battle back.

Related: NBA Play-In 2025 preview: Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic

The Magic took an impressive 32-17 lead into the second quarter, thanks to a 21-4 run to finish the first quarter. Orlando later pushed their lead to 22 points at one point in the first half, before the Hawks went on a 12-4 run of their own to end the first half, cutting into the Magic’s 61-47 halftime lead.

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The Hawks came out and dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Magic 26-18 in the period. Orlando wouldn’t panic, and took over the fourth, opening the quarter on a 25-12 run.

The Magic outscored the Hawks 41-22 in the final period, securing a dominant 120-95 victory to clinch the seventh seed in the playoffs. They will face the defending champion Boston Celtics in the first round. Cole Anthony played a pivotal role, scoring an impressive 26 points off the bench in just 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Hawks must now await the outcome of the Play-In game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat. Atlanta will have one more opportunity to secure a playoff spot, but they will need to play much better to succeed.

About the Author Published Apr 16, 2025

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1