Tagbilaran City, Bohol – Even without star guard Trae Young, who was out with a knee injury, the Atlanta Hawks still dismantled the Orlando Magic 127-112 on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning, Philippine time) at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta utilized a balanced attack, where six Hawks contributed at least 14 points, led by 2024 top rookie draft pick Zaccharie Risacher, who finished with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20, while Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson also contributed 18 and 17, respectively for the Hawks.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with a near-triple-double of 22 markers, 11 boards, 8 dimes, and 1 steal, but only shot a measly 6-for-16 from the field, including 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. Tristan da Silva added 20 off-the-bench.
Magic starting guard Desmond Bane scored 9 points before being tossed in the third quarter. He was called for a flagrant foul on Onyeka Okongwu and then spiked the ball into the forward’s head as he fell that merited a technical foul that led to the ejection.
The Magic will travel back home to face the Boston Celtics in Orlando on Friday night (Saturday morning, Philippine time) in an NBA Cup East Group B game.
Meanwhile, the Hawks will next host the Toronto Raptors on the same night.
How They Scored: 32-23; 64-47; 98-77; 127-112
Hawks 127 – Risacher 21, Alexander-Walker 20, Daniels 18, Johnson 17, Porzingis 15, Okongwu 14, Krejci 7, Kennard 6, Gueye 5, Wallace 4
Magic 112 – Banchero 22, da Silva 20, Wagner 18, Suggs 12, Carter Jr. 11, Bane 9, Black 7, Penda 4, Bitadze 4, Howard 3, Isaac 2
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