16
Apr
Daily Recap
Dyson's playoff hopes dashed for now
Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic during the 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament on April 15, 2025 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida.
Daniels' Atlanta Hawks will now face either Chicago or Miami in the Play-In elimination game.
- Daniels finished with 7 points, 12rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks in 35 minutes
- Atlanta will now play the winner of Thursday's match-up between Miami and Josh Giddey's Chicago Bulls
- Daniels is aiming to join eight other Aussies who have already qualified for the Playoffs
Dyson Daniels' Atlanta Hawks were up against it from the start before falling in a blow-out loss to the Orlando Magic, 120-95.
The Magic established their dominance early, building a commanding 32-17 lead after the first quarter in the first elimination game of the NBA's Play-In Tournament.
Anthony Black provided an immediate spark off the bench, contributing eight points in the opening period including a crucial three-pointer at the 4:42 mark that pushed the lead to double digits.
The Magic continued their strong performance in the second quarter, with Wendell Carter Jr. finding his rhythm. Carter scored nine points in the quarter, including a thunderous dunk at the 6:50 mark that put Orlando up 47-30. By halftime, the Magic had built a comfortable 61-47 advantage, shooting an outstanding 48% from the field while limiting Atlanta to just 38%.
Atlanta showed signs of life in the third quarter, closing the gap to just six points at 71-65 with 4:09 remaining after Trae Young scored seven straight points. However, the Magic responded with a pivotal 8-0 run, capped by Franz Wagner's layup at the 1:28 mark that pushed the lead back to 14 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Magic's defense stifled the Hawks in the final period, holding them to just 22 points on 31% shooting. Orlando's efficiency was on full display as they connected on 44-from-91 field goal attempts, while Atlanta struggled, shooting just 32-from-84. The Magic dominated the glass, outrebounding the Hawks 54-42, with Carter cleaning up 11 boards of his own.
The Magic's balanced attack, something that hasn't been a feature for the team this season, saw seven players scoring in double figures, offering hope for the Playoffs ahead as they enter their #2 v #7 Playoff match-up with Boston starting on Monday, Australian time.
Next Up
Atlanta faces the East #9 v #10 winner (winner advances to playoffs as No. 8 seed) on Saturday morning.
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