NBA 2020-21 Preseason- Orlando Magic beats Atlanta Hawks 116-112

NBA 2020-21 Preseason- Orlando Magic beats Atlanta Hawks 116-112
  • Nukila Vucenic

The first match of the 2020-21 preseason saw an all-eastern battle between Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic. With many speculating a return from two individual leaders, Trae Young from the Hawks and Aaron Gordon from the Magic. The Hawks made some key additions over the offseason, bringing in sharpshooter Bogdan Bogdanovic and veterans Danilo Gallinari and Rajon Rondo. 

While Magic provided their fans with the first look at their rookie duo of 2019 pick Chuma Okeke and 2020 pick of Cole Anthony. After a devastating loss in the first round itself against the Milwaukee Bucks in last season’s playoffs, Magic was looking for a clear rebuild. 

Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic- As it happened 

Trae Young

1st quarter- 

FS Video

Orlando Magic’s starters had a good opening, as Aaron Gordon and Dwayne Bacon both registered points against their names. But it was Evan Fournier who attempted to score a couple of scoops from behind the arc. While for the Hawks, De’Antre Hunter was their best offensive performer in the 1st quarter. Knowing that the action resumed after some months for both these teams, their players evidently took time to open themselves. Orlando led 31-29 in the 1st. 

2nd quarter- 

Atlanta started to come back in the match, Trae Young started to pass the ball well. With help from Bogdanovic and Hunter in the box, the Hawks started leading. Even Cam Reddish came off the bench to score 7 points for the team before the end of the first half. After half time it was 52-52. 

3rd quarter- 

The start of the second half saw Orlando Magic take some lead courtesy to Nikola Vucevic. Having scored 18 points by the end of 3rd quarter, Vucevic had given some time defend to Magic. But it was Hawks’ John Collins who kept on scoring every time he got an opportunity, with help from Danilo Gallinari from the bench, Hawks trailed 84-77. 

4th quarter- 

It was all to play for in the 4th quarter for both the teams. But the contest was neck to neck. The starters of Magic seemed very impressive as everybody more than 10 points in the game. Whereas it was Gallinari, Reddish, Collins and Hunter putting up an offensive fight for the Hawks. Capella registered 14 rebounds to his name. With a minute to play Magic led by 5. What a nail-biting match! 

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