Magic Struggle Without Paolo Banchero, Fall vs. Hawks

The Orlando Magic couldn't extend their win streak in a loss against the Atlanta Hawks.

Jeremy Brener | Feb 25, 2024

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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.

Jalen Suggs Dejounte Murray 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.

Magic Star Banchero Thanks Teammates for Motivating Him Through Sickness

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.

Published Feb 25, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.