Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks came to Orlando Wednesday evening. Cole Anthony looked to help kickstart the struggling Orlando Magic. Young had just previously been named a starter to the All-Star game and gave a great final performance before Sunday’s matchup. The Magic’s struggles continue to show; Orlando came into this game having lost three straight games and losing six of their last eight matchups. Atlanta started with their foot on the gas pedal and didn’t slow down. This was both teams’ last game before the all-star break; Orlando will look to utilize this much-needed break and reopen from their early-season woes.
Orlando’s Struggles
Orlando started slow and never quite recovered. The Magic are desperately looking to find their identity and gain any sort of traction to build off of. Cole Anthony led the way for Orlando against the Hawks. Anthony tried to be the jump-start the Magic needed by scoring 23 points and securing seven rebounds. Rookie Jalen Suggs added 19 points in an attempt to help the Magic. The Magic couldn’t slow down Atlanta, never holding a lead in this game. The Magic were outscored in every quarter except the fourth when Atlanta rested their key players. Orlando had all five starters in double figures, yet the bench only added 34 points which ultimately led to the loss.
Hawks Dominate
Atlanta came into this game looking to find their footing before the all-star break. Atlanta has been very disappointing this season after a phenomenal showing in last season’s playoffs. The Hawks have been looking to find their step and this momentum will hopefully carry over into the last part of the season. Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 23 points in just 25 minutes off the bench. Atlanta’s bench was ultimately the deciding factor in this game and proved to be too much to handle for the Magic.
Rest and Recover
Orlando has the next eight days off to catch their breath and prepare for the final stretch of the season. The Magic will be back in play Friday, February 25th against the Rockets.