The Orlando Magic was the first team to make it through their second chance to the 2025 NBA playoffs.
In a dominant way, Orlando’s magic returned to postseason photography for the second year in a row, shattering the Atlanta Hawks with a 120-90 victory in the Play-in Tournament Duel on April 15th.
Orlando came out vigorously from start to finish with five players tallying double-digit scoring. Cole Anthony led the magic off the bench, scoring 26 points in a hot, hot, 1/10 shot in 20 minutes.
Paolo Banchero poured Magic’s second-best performance on a 17-point outing, plus nine boards and seven assists.
Play-In’s victory over the Hawks made the magic officially march on its way to the playoff arena. But waiting for them in the opening round is definitely a big challenge.
As the seventh team in the Eastern Conference, Orlando is set in seven best brawls with the extant NBA champion Boston Celtics.
Touted as one of the league’s best teams, the Celtics are well suited to potentially solid title defenses after winning 61 wins this season.
However, Magic won two of the three regular season series games this season, giving at least the optimistic shots across Orlando.
Acknowledging the challenges that they had to spend a long season from a ton of devastating injuries with key players, Banchelo and Magic don’t mind being a clear underdog to embrace the bold series going forward.
“In general, I’m excited to be in the playoffs,” Bunchelo said. “We spent our up and down seasons, so the fact that we clinch seven seeds in this game gives us the opportunity to go to Boston and make noise is just satisfying about it.
“I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge.”
The Celtics Magic series is currently highly anticipated from the looming showdown between Banchelo and Jason Tatum.
As two of the league’s brightest stars, Banchelo and Tatum have a nostalgic affinity. Both have shared college connections like the former Duke Blue Devils, whilst playing similar basketball positions and playstyles.
The young Orlando star couldn’t be more excited to go to the toes with Tatum under the bright lights of the NBA playoffs.
“I’ve known Jason since I got to college. I see him every summer. A guy I know so well. One of the people I’m going to go for advice and stuff like that,” Bunchelo said.
“But you know, obviously, we’re competing right now, and I think the best way to show my respect is to give him my best efforts and go to him as much as possible.
“I’m excited about the matchup.”
The Magic and the Celtics will begin the opening game for the 2025 Playoffs First Round Series, which will be held in Boston on April 19th.