Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic outlast Atlanta Hawks in overtime

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Jan 8, 2024, 08:06 IST

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Paolo Banchero's stellar performance of 35 points and 10 rebounds led the Orlando Magic to a 117-110 overtime victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Caleb Houstan contributed a career-high 25 points, while Jalen Suggs added 16 points, and Goga Bitadze recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic outlast Atlanta Hawks in overtime

Paolo Banchero (Reuters Photo)

NEW DELHI: Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to a 117-110 overtime victory against the Atlanta Hawks with a stellar performance of 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Magic's Caleb Houstan contributed a career-high 25 points, hitting seven triples, while Jalen Suggs added 16 points, and Goga Bitadze recorded a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
The game was closely contested, and the Magic made a comeback in the third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 34-18. Orlando held an 85-78 lead entering the fourth quarter. However, Atlanta fought back, and with 1:20 remaining, Dejounte Murray's three-point play cut the deficit to one. Houstan responded with a crucial three-pointer, but the Hawks forced overtime with Saddiq Bey's dunk tying the game at 107-107.

In overtime, Paolo Banchero took control, scoring the Magic's first six points. Goga Bitadze's layup gave Orlando a 113-107 lead, but Trae Young's three-pointer kept the Hawks in the game. Banchero continued his stellar play, securing the 117-110 victory for the Magic.

The win marked Orlando's second consecutive victory after a three-game skid. On the other hand, the Hawks suffered their second straight loss. Trae Young led the Hawks with 31 points, followed by Dejounte Murray with 24 points. Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 18 points for Atlanta. The Southeast Division rivals are set to face each other again on January 17 in Atlanta.
(With Reuters inputs)

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TOI Sports Desk

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