Post by : Maya Rahman

In a gripping finale, Trae Young stepped up, making two decisive free throws with just 21 seconds left, steering the Atlanta Hawks to a 111-107 triumph over the Orlando Magic. Young notched 25 points and facilitated six assists, spearheading the Hawks as they clawed back from a daunting 14-point deficit.

Supporting Young, Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 19 points, while Onyeka Okongwu added 17. Contributions also came from Mouhamed Gueye with 13 points and Jalen Johnson, who chipped in with 12 during the crucial fourth quarter. Despite a challenging 27.6% from beyond the arc, the Hawks rallied effectively in the final period to clinch the win.

The Magic began the game with gusto, as Franz Wagner stood out with 27 points. Both Tristan da Silva and Desmond Bane added 15 points each. Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero had 11 points each, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 10. Orlando commanded the opening half, stretching their lead to 51-37, capped by Bane’s three-pointer in the second.

Down by 10 at halftime, Atlanta launched a 7-0 scoring spree early in the third, fueled by Gueye’s three-pointer and a layup from Young, narrowing the gap to 82-78. The Magic responded to maintain an eight-point cushion at the end of the third period.

With Wagner’s layup, Orlando pushed their lead to 12 early in the fourth. However, Atlanta staged a remarkable 12-0 surge, highlighted by rookie Asa Newell’s three-pointer and dunk, leveling the game at 93 and prompting a timeout from the Magic. The Hawks did not relent, extending a remarkable 15-0 streak, where Young’s three-pointer finally restored their lead since the second quarter.

Okongwu’s quick five-point burst elevated the Hawks to a 103-98 advantage with 3:20 remaining. The Magic fought back, tying the game at 105 with free throws and a dunk from Banchero. Young’s floater with less than a minute left, followed by Suggs’ layup, set the stage for his pivotal free throws, sealing the game at 111-107.

This win by Atlanta underlines their resilience and teamwork, overcoming a 14-point deficit thanks to strategic plays and key contributions from Young, Okongwu, and Alexander-Walker. Orlando's efforts were commendable, but they fell short against the Hawks' late-game rally. This match underscores the Hawks’ prowess in clutch situations and Trae Young’s growth as a leader under pressure.

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