Hawks Rally Past Magic 132-125 Behind Alexander-Walker’s 31 Point Performance

Alexander-Walker Delivers in the Clutch for Atlanta

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 31 points and knocked down two crucial 3-pointers in the closing minutes as the Atlanta Hawks rallied for a 132-125 victory over the Orlando Magic in the season opener for both teams Wednesday night at the Kia Center.

Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson each added 20 points for Atlanta, which overcame a double-digit deficit and used a dominant second quarter to take control before holding off a late Orlando push. C.J. McCollum contributed 19 points, while Aaron Wiggins finished with 16 for the Hawks.

Alexander-Walker delivered the decisive blows in the final minute, hitting a 3-pointer before flashing a hush gesture toward the Orlando crowd. He then buried a 25-footer with 51 seconds remaining to give Atlanta a 128-123 advantage, putting the Hawks in position to close out the win. The victory also spoiled the debut of Orlando coach Sean Sweeney, as the Magic continued their recent struggles against Atlanta.

Hawks Dominate Second Quarter to Build Halftime Lead

Atlanta found its rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring Orlando 44-29 and erasing a double-digit deficit with a pair of 12-0 runs. The surge gave the Hawks a 72-62 lead at halftime and put them in position to open the season with a road victory.

The Magic responded behind Paolo Banchero, who finished with 35 points and 10 assists. Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. each scored 22 points for Orlando, which battled back after falling behind at the break.

Banchero was particularly effective early, making his first five shots and finishing 10 of 12 from the field. His scoring helped spark an 11-0 Orlando run in the second half, giving the Magic their first lead of the half when he converted a three-point play to make it 98-95 with two minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, Atlanta regrouped and kept the game within reach before taking control down the stretch.

Controversial Call Overturned as Johnson Avoids Fouling Out

Johnson appeared to foul out with 4:27 remaining after officials called him for an offensive foul following an elbow to the face of Orlando guard Desmond Bane. With the Hawks leading 120-117, the decision threatened to remove one of Atlanta’s key contributors during a critical stretch. Hawks coach Quin Snyder challenged the call, and replay showed that Bane had committed the first illegal contact. The ruling was overturned, allowing Johnson to remain in the game.

Atlanta maintained its narrow advantage for the remainder of the contest and never trailed again after establishing its 120-117 lead. Alexander-Walker’s late 3-pointers ultimately provided the separation the Hawks needed to secure the victory.

Hawks Look Ahead to Charlotte, Magic Host Minnesota

The Hawks will look to build on their season-opening win when they travel to face the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Orlando, meanwhile, will try to bounce back from the loss when it hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Despite Banchero’s impressive performance, the Magic were unable to overcome Atlanta’s second-quarter surge and late-game execution.