The Orlando Magic triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks in an overtime victory with a 117-110 score during Sunday night’s NBA action. Paolo Banchero scored 35 points, including eight crucial ones in overtime. Caleb Houstan also shined brightly, achieving a personal best of 25 points.
“He’s a winner. He’s going to find a way to help the team win,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said about Banchero. “This young man is growing more each game.”
Banchero, only 21 years old, was pivotal in overtime, scoring Orlando’s initial six points and securing 10 rebounds. He’s averaged 32.3 points in the last six games as he continues a scoring tear.
Houstan, seizing his opportunity in his first start of the season and just the fifth in his career, made an impact by hitting 7-14 three-point attempts. His readiness and response to the team’s call were evident in his play.
“We talk about the next man up. I’m just tryin to stay read when my name is called,” Mosley said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Updates
For Atlanta, Trae Young led with 31 points and nine assists, supported by Dejounte Murray with 24 points and Bogdan Bogdanovic with 18. The Hawks managed to tie the game late in the fourth quarter thanks to a dunk from Saddiq Bey, but they struggled with missed free throws and allowed Orlando a significant advantage in second-chance points.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Hawks coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the team’s competitive spirit but emphasized the need to improve rebounding. Atlanta remained competitive despite Orlando’s rebound dominance, led by Banchero, Goga Bitadze, and Cole Anthony.
“Players are going to make shots, but when they miss we’ve got to clean up the glass,” Snyder said. “We had a rough start, but we really competed and put ourselves in position to win the game. But you can’t give them multiple opportunities.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Orlando also welcomed back Markelle Fultz, who has been playing his first game since early November after recovering from a knee injury. Though scoreless in his return, Fultz focuses on the team’s long-term success.
“We’re more worried about the long haul here,” Fultz said. “We got a win, so I couldn’t be happier.”
The game also saw Atlanta’s Garrison Mathews leave early due to an ankle injury and two crucial replay reversals in favor of the Magic, including an overturned pivotal charging call on Banchero.
Looking ahead, the Hawks will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while the Magic are set to play against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night.
