ORLANDO, Fla. —
A late third-quarter run sparked an Orlando Magic comeback, but a lackluster fourth quarter allowed the Atlanta Hawks to escape with a 132-125 victory in Monday’s season opener at the Kia Center.
Paolo Banchero scored a game-high 35 points and had 10 assists and seven rebounds in the loss.
“The three-point shooting for Atlanta in the second half, they were eight for 20, and then in the fourth quarter we had a tough time shooting it,” Magic head coach Sean Sweeney said. “I think just in general, we can improve a lot on our execution, especially in that second half.”
The Magic used a 17-4 run late in the third quarter to take a 100-99 lead into the fourth. After scoring 38 points in the third quarter, Orlando managed only 25 in the final 12 minutes.
The Magic finished with 20 turnovers.
Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. each scored 22 points. Carter shot 8 of 10 from the field.
Desmond Bane added 18 points, while Tristan da Silva provided 14 off the bench.
Orlando struggled offensively in the first half despite 22 points from Banchero. The Magic trailed the Hawks 72-62 at halftime.
The Magic continue their homestand Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Kia Center.