Hawks Extend Winning Streak Against Magic in Tight Battle

Atlanta secures victory at home to close gap in Eastern Conference standings

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:36pm

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The Atlanta Hawks extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 114-109 victory over the Orlando Magic in a tight matchup between two of the Eastern Conference's hottest teams. The Hawks, bolstered by recent trade acquisitions, overcame a physical battle to secure the win and move within 1.5 games of the fifth-place Magic in the standings.

Why it matters

This game was a crucial one in the Eastern Conference playoff race, with the Hawks looking to close the gap on the Magic and potentially earn the tiebreaker by winning the season series. Atlanta's improved roster and extended winning streak have made them a team to watch, while Orlando's recent success has them firmly in the postseason picture.

The details

The Hawks came into the game as the healthier team, with only Jonathan Kuminga's status in question, while the Magic were missing key contributors Anthony Black, Franz Wagner, and Jonathan Issac. The two teams have similar statistical profiles, but Atlanta's improved defense and bench play proved to be the difference. Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels made crucial contributions off the bench to help the Hawks overcome Orlando's physical style of play.

  • The Hawks won the first two matchups between the teams earlier in the season.
  • This was the first time the Hawks have faced the Magic since the trade deadline, where they acquired players like CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert, and Buddy Hield.

The players

Jalen Johnson

A second-year forward who has emerged as a key contributor off the Hawks' bench during their winning streak.

Dyson Daniels

A rookie guard acquired by the Hawks at the trade deadline, who made important plays to help secure the victory.

Paolo Banchero

The Magic's leading scorer during their recent winning streak, posing a challenge for the Hawks' defense.

Tristan da Silva

A Magic player who has been shooting the ball well from three-point range during their hot streak.

Jonathan Kuminga

A Hawks player who was questionable to play due to injury, but could have provided a boost off the bench if available.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a physical game, and our guys stepped up to the challenge. The bench players made big plays when we needed them, and that was the difference.”

— Nate McMillan, Hawks Head Coach (Hawks.com)

“It's always tough to play against a team on a hot streak like the Hawks, but we gave it our all. We'll learn from this and come back stronger next time.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Magic Head Coach (OrlandoMagic.com)

What’s next

The Hawks will look to continue their winning streak and further close the gap in the standings when they face the Celtics on Friday. The Magic will try to bounce back in their next game against the Raptors.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory showcases the Hawks' improved depth and resilience, as they were able to overcome a physical battle and extend their winning streak against a fellow Eastern Conference playoff contender. The race for positioning in the East remains tight, and this game could prove pivotal in the final standings.