Magic Struggle Without Paolo Banchero, Fall vs. Hawks
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic are back in the loss column after falling to the Atlanta Hawks 109-92 on Sunday night at State Farm Arena.
The Magic played without Paolo Banchero for the first time this season, and the struggle was apparent. After Banchero sunk a game-winner on Saturday night, an illness kept him out of Sunday's affair against the Hawks.
USA Today Sports
While the Magic held a lead in the first half thanks to a strong defensive performance, their legs caught up with them in the third quarter, where the Hawks took advantage of the Magic's tired legs.
Ultimately, Orlando couldn't pull themselves out of the hole and they dropped their first game in nearly two weeks.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 19 points while Wendell Carter Jr. had an 18-point double-double with 10 rebounds. The Hawks were led by Dejounte Murray's 25-point performance as he covered the load vacated by Trae Young, who sat out of tonight's game with a finger injury.
The Magic struggled mightily with the schedule and now they suffer the consequences with a loss. However, with a favorable schedule upon their return home to Orlando, they will be able to pick up the pieces quickly if they play their cards right.
The Magic are back on the floor Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets at home. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
