Hawks Soar Past Magic in Southeast Division Clash

Atlanta extends win streak to 13 games with victory over Orlando on the road

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:48am

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The Atlanta Hawks continued their impressive late-season surge, defeating the Orlando Magic 124-115 in a key Southeast Division matchup. Led by standout performances from Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks extended their winning streak to 13 games and solidified their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Why it matters

This victory keeps the Hawks firmly in the hunt for a top-4 seed in the East, while the loss is a setback for the Magic's own playoff aspirations. The two teams are jockeying for position in a tight Southeast Division, making this an important head-to-head result.

The details

The Hawks built a double-digit lead in the third quarter and held off a late Magic rally to secure the win. Johnson poured in a game-high 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Alexander-Walker added 25 points and 6 assists. CJ McCollum chipped in 18 points for the Hawks. For Orlando, Paolo Banchero led the way with 24 points and 7 assists, but the Magic struggled to contain the Hawks' balanced scoring attack.

  • The Hawks have now won 16 of their last 18 games.
  • This was the second meeting between the teams in the last two weeks, with the Hawks also winning the previous matchup.

The players

Jalen Johnson

The Hawks' rising star forward had a dominant performance, recording a double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The Hawks' starting guard scored 25 points and dished out 6 assists to help lead the team's offensive attack.

Paolo Banchero

The Magic's talented rookie forward led his team with 24 points and 7 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Hawks.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a divisional rival, but our guys really stepped up and played with a lot of energy and focus tonight.”

— Nate McMillan, Hawks Head Coach

“It's tough to lose at home, especially against a team we're chasing in the standings. But we'll regroup and get ready for our next challenge.”

— Paolo Banchero, Magic Forward

What’s next

The Hawks will look to extend their winning streak when they host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night. The Magic will try to bounce back on the road against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.

The takeaway

The Hawks have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the NBA, using a balanced scoring attack and stifling defense to surge up the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Magic's playoff hopes took a hit with this home loss, underscoring the importance of protecting home court against divisional rivals.