Play-In Preview
Atlanta, GA — The Atlanta Hawks outlasted the Orlando Magic 117-105 at State Farm Arena, powered by Keaton Wallace’s first career triple-double in the final game of the season in preparation for Orlando’ looming play-in match against Atlanta.
Despite a spirited effort from Orlando’s bench, Atlanta secured the win, snapping the Magic’s five-game streak and ending their season at 41-41.
Injury Report Updates
Orlando rested Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Cory Joseph for this game, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope playing just five minutes in order for him to get some rest as well.
Atlanta also had multiple players out, sitting Trae Young, Clint Capela, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, Caris LeVert, and Jalen Johnson. Both teams were clearly prioritizing rest for their play-in showdown on Tuesday.
Magic’s Bench Battles
Anthony Black led Orlando with 20 points and 10 rebound double-double, showcasing his two-way potential, while Jonathan Isaac contributed a double-double of his own with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
.Jett Howard dropped 16 points and Gary Harris had 12 points, all from three, to keep the Magic competitive. The Magic’s reserves did incredibly well, as Orlando ended up with seven double-digit scorers.
Wallace’s Breakout Night
Keaton Wallace stole the show for Atlanta, recording his first career triple-double with 15 points, 15 assists, 11 rebounds, and 5 steals, becoming the first two-way player in Hawks history to achieve the feat.
Terance Mann led with 19 points, while Daeqwon Plowden and Jacob Toppin each added 17 as their role players outplayed Orlando’s in this contest.
Looking Towards Post Season
As the seventh seed, Orlando will now host eighth-seeded Atlanta in the first play-in game of the NBA postseason, with the winner playing against the reigning champion Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, and the loser facing the victor of the Heat and Bulls play-in game for a chance at playing the Cleveland Cavaliers in round one.