Magic Defeat Hawks In Overtime 117-110 (1-7-24)
By: Walt Clyburn
Headline Photo Credit: Kristina Roulo-LMS Network
ORLANDO,FL-Happy New Year and welcome back to live NBA action at the newly named Kia Center, as the Orlando Magic host the Atlanta Hawks. From jump ball, the action was a track meet as the teams put up 60 points combined. Dejounte Murray (Hawks) and Paolo Banchero(Magic) both scored 11 points respectively. The 2nd quarter was a sprint, the Magic got a little winded as the Hawks went into halftime with a 60-51 lead.
Leading the way were Murray and Young. The Magic came out of halftime with that 15-quarter energy as they had the Kia Center rocking and regained the lead 85-78 going into the 4th quarter with help from Caleb Houstan, Franz Wagner, and Banchero.
As the last quarter got underway it was a dogfight as Magic and the Hawks traded buckets all 4th quarter. As the final horn sounded, the Magic found themselves in a deadlock 105-105, which landed them in Overtime. Banchero and Houston both have over 20 points for the Magic and Murray and Trae Young lead the Hawks with over 20 points apiece. Overtime was like a heavyweight fight in the 10th round with fatigue setting in both teams struggled to put points up and Magic’s defense made a few stops to give them the win in the end 117-110. Banchero leading all-scorers with 35 points.