Orlando, Fla. – The Orlando Magic opened their 2026-27 NBA season with a hard‑fought loss to the Atlanta Hawks, dropping 132-125 at the Kia Center on Monday night. A late third‑quarter surge gave the Magic a brief lead, but a sluggish fourth quarter allowed Atlanta to pull away.
Key moments and player performances
Paolo Banchero was the night’s standout for Orlando, posting a game‑high 35 points along with 10 assists and seven rebounds. Despite his effort, the Magic could not overcome the Hawks’ efficient shooting in the final period.
Magic head coach Sean Sweeney addressed the team’s shooting woes, noting, “The three‑point shooting for Atlanta in the second half, they were eight for 20, and then in the fourth quarter we had a tough time shooting it. I think just in general, we can improve a lot on our execution, especially in the second half.”
Orlando’s late third‑quarter run – a 17‑4 spurt that gave them a 100‑99 edge heading into the fourth – showcased the squad’s potential. The Magic tallied 38 points in the third period, but managed only 25 in the final 12 minutes, a stark contrast that highlighted fatigue and execution lapses.
Supporting contributions and turnovers
Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. each added 22 points, with Carter shooting an efficient 8‑of‑10 from the field. Desmond Bane contributed 18 points for Atlanta, while Tristan da Silva added 14 off the bench.
The Magic’s ball‑handling proved problematic, as the team committed 20 turnovers, a factor that helped Atlanta maintain its lead. Atlanta’s balanced attack and superior second‑half shooting ultimately sealed the victory.
Looking ahead
Despite the loss, the Magic remain optimistic about the season ahead. The team’s next home game is scheduled for Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, with tip‑off set for 7 p.m. at the Kia Center. Fans hope the squad can translate its early‑season energy into a more consistent performance.
For more updates on the Magic’s progress and upcoming games, stay tuned to local sports coverage.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
