;

News

Cole Anthony, Anthony Black lead Magic bench mob vs Hawks, secure East no. 7

Published April 16, 2025, 11:30 AMPao Ambat
-

The Orlando Magic will open their playoff campaign against the second seed and defending champion Celtics in Boston.

Make it back-to-back playoff appearances for the Orlando Magic after taking care of business against the Atlanta Hawks. | Photo: Orlando Magic

No play-in jitters for the Orlando Magic.

Cole Anthony and Anthony Black combined for 42 points off the bench, spearheading a commanding 120-95 Magic beatdown of the Atlanta Hawks to secure the East seventh seed, Wednesday, April 16.

Paolo Banchero produced an all-around game of 17 points, eight rebounds, and six dimes despite a rough shooting night in Orlando’s first play-in win in franchise history.

Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 19 points while Franz Wagner tallied a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double for Orlando, who led by as many as 22 points en route to advancing to playoffs for the second straight year.

With the win, the Magic arranged an opening round duel with the no. 2 seed and defending champion Boston Celtics.

Meanwhile, Trae Young paced Atlanta with 28 points before getting ejected midway through the fourth after picking his second technical foul.

The Hawks will face the survivor of the Chicago Bulls-Miami Heat duel tomorrow, April 16, with the winner clinching the eight seed and an East first round showdown with the top seed Cleveland Cavaliers.

(With reports from Pao Ambat)

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]