ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic opened the season at home with a loss against the Atlanta Hawks, 132-125.
The Magic got off to a quick start, led by their two stars, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who finished the first quarter with a combined 15 points.
Banchero kept it going in the second quarter with 14 points in the period, including two three-pointers, finishing the half three-for-three from beyond the arc for a total of 22 points.
The Magic held a lead as large as 10 points in the first half; however, 13 turnovers helped the Hawks take a 72-62 lead at halftime.
The Magic stormed back into the game in the third, finishing the quarter on a 21-8 run, including 11 points from Wagner. Magic led after the third, 100-99.
The fourth quarter went back and forth, with 11 lead changes between the two teams. Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 11 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Hawks close out the game.
Banchero finished the game with 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. His 35 points are the second most in a season opener behind Nick Anderson’s 42 points against the Heat in 1992 and Shaquille O’Neal’s 42 against the Heat in 1993. Wagner finished with 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The Magic’s next game is Friday at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves; tipoff is scheduled for 7 pm.
Watch the game live on MagicTV 27.
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