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Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 31 points, including two crucial three-pointers in the closing minutes, as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 132-125 in the season opener for both teams on Wednesday night.
Alexander-Walker shot 8-for-15 from the field, made five of his eight three-point attempts and went 10-for-13 from the free-throw line. His late shooting helped Atlanta protect its lead after Orlando threatened to complete a comeback at Kia Center.
With the Hawks leading 125-123, Alexander-Walker hit a three-pointer and made a hush gesture toward the crowd. He then knocked down another shot from beyond the arc to put Atlanta ahead 128-123 with 51 seconds remaining.
Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson each added 20 points for Atlanta. Johnson recorded 14 rebounds and six assists, while Daniels contributed five steals. C.J. McCollum scored 19 points, and Aaron Wiggins added 16 off the bench.
The Hawks erased an early double-digit deficit with a dominant second quarter, outscoring Orlando 44-29 to take a 72-62 halftime lead. Atlanta shot 49% from the field and made 14 of 36 three-point attempts.
Orlando responded after halftime, outscoring the Hawks 38-27 in the third quarter. Paolo Banchero sparked an 11-0 run and gave the Magic their first lead of the second half at 98-95 with a three-point play with two minutes left in the period.
Banchero finished with 35 points and 10 assists, shooting 10-for-12 from the field and 12-for-16 from the free-throw line. Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. each scored 22 points, while Tristan da Silva added 14 off the bench.
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Atlanta also benefited from a successful coach’s challenge in the fourth quarter. Johnson appeared to foul out with 4:27 remaining after officials called him for an offensive foul following contact with Desmond Bane. However, a replay review showed Bane initiated the illegal contact, overturning the call.
The Hawks led 120-117 at the time and never trailed again, handing Orlando coach Sean Sweeney a loss in his first game in charge. The victory also extended Atlanta’s winning streak against the Magic to six games.
Atlanta will visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, while Orlando returns home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
