Hawks Stage Dramatic Comeback Against Magic

In a thrilling finish, Trae Young hit two decisive free throws with 21 seconds remaining, securing a 111-107 win for the Atlanta Hawks over the Orlando Magic. Young notched 25 points and dished out six assists, leading his team from a steep deficit that reached 14 points.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 19 points, and Onyeka Okongwu contributed 17, while Mouhamed Gueye and Jalen Johnson chipped in 13 and 12 points respectively, all crucial in the fourth quarter. Despite struggling with a 27.6% 3-point shooting accuracy, Atlanta surged in the final moments to clinch the game.

The Magic started strong, with Franz Wagner scoring 27 points; Tristan da Silva and Desmond Bane each tallied 15 points. Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero contributed 11 points each, while Wendell Carter Jr. managed 10 points. Orlando dominated early, leading 51-37 at halftime after a transition three-pointer from Bane.

Facing a 10-point deficit at halftime, the Hawks initiated a 7-0 run to close the gap early in the third quarter, highlighted by a three-pointer from Gueye and a layup by Young, narrowing the score to 82-78. The Magic countered with four points, keeping an eight-point lead heading into the fourth stanza.

Orlando pushed the lead to 12 points with a layup from Wagner at the start of the final quarter. The Hawks answered with a powerful 12-0 run, featuring a three-pointer and dunk by rookie Asa Newell, eventually tying the game at 93 and prompting a timeout from the Magic. Atlanta maintained their momentum, going on a 15-0 run that saw Young hit a three-pointer for their first lead since the second quarter.

Okongwu's quick 5-0 burst increased Atlanta’s advantage to 103-98 with just over three minutes left. Orlando fought back to tie at 105 with free throws and a dunk by Banchero. Young’s floater with 46 seconds left, followed by Suggs' layup, set the scene for Young's clutch free throws, concluding the match at 111-107.

This game showcased the Hawks' determination and teamwork, turning around a 14-point deficit through well-timed moves and pivotal plays from Young, Okongwu, and Alexander-Walker. While Orlando put up a strong fight, they couldn’t halt Atlanta’s late-game onslaught. The victory illustrates the Hawks’ ability to perform under pressure and highlights Young’s exceptional leadership when it counted.