Magic Outmuscle Hawks 120-95 in Play-In Blowout, Trae Young Ejected Late in Fourth

In a critical Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament showdown on April 15, 2025, the Orlando Magic overwhelmed the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 at the Kia Center, punching their ticket to the NBA Playoffs as the No. 7 seed. The Magic now turn their attention to the top-seeded Boston Celtics, while the Hawks must fight for survival Friday night at home against the winner of the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls matchup for the No. 8 seed and the final playoff berth.

Magic Lock In Behind Bench Boost, Defense

Orlando imposed its will early and often, showcasing the league’s top-ranked defense (105.5 PPG allowed) against Atlanta’s explosive offense (118.2 PPG, 5th in NBA). Cole Anthony starred off the bench with 26 points and six assists, providing steady scoring and tempo control throughout. Wendell Carter Jr. delivered a series of crucial plays in the paint, while Paolo Banchero, who had previously torched Atlanta in regular-season meetings, again proved a steadying force. The Magic seized control with a dominant 17-4 fourth-quarter run, sealing the game and quieting any Hawks comeback hopes.

Trae Young Leads Atlanta – Then Loses His Cool

Despite a rough start—missing his first five shots—Trae Young led all scorers with 28 points and six assists, going 11-for-12 from the free-throw line. He helped the Hawks cut a 15-point deficit to just three in the third quarter, but Orlando’s relentless defense and better ball movement proved too much to overcome.

With under five minutes left and the game slipping away, Young’s frustrations boiled over. After a made floater, he fired a hard chest pass at referee James Williams, drawing his first technical. When he later deflected the ball away with his foot and delayed returning it to another official, a second technical was issued—resulting in an automatic ejection with 4:47 remaining. At that point, the Hawks trailed 107-87.

After the game, Young cited inconsistent officiating and a desire to stand up for his teammates as reasons for his outburst, though he acknowledged his actions were ill-timed. Head coach Quin Snyder also confirmed Young accepted responsibility, even as the result was likely already sealed.

What’s Next for Atlanta?

The Hawks’ third straight Play-In appearance without immediate advancement adds further tension to a season of highs and lows. Atlanta entered as the No. 8 seed (40-42), splitting the regular-season series with Orlando and having beaten them just two days earlier while both teams rested stars. But with Clint Capela (hand), Jalen Johnson (shoulder), and others out, the Hawks’ depth was tested—and ultimately exposed.

With Trae Young’s long-term future still a topic of speculation as he approaches contract extension eligibility in 2026, and the Hawks’ playoff aspirations again in jeopardy, all eyes will be on Friday’s elimination game. A win extends their season with a date against Cleveland. A loss could usher in a summer of sweeping changes.

Up Next: Hawks host Bulls or Heat for No. 8 seed; Magic face Celtics in Round 1

For continued coverage of the NBA Play-In Tournament and postseason, stay tuned.