Beede’s Breakdown: Magic outshot by Hawks, who secure sweep despite Wagner’s return

The long-awaited return of Franz Wagner provided the Magic with a boost both emotionally and on the court when Orlando hosted the Hawks, but it wasn’t enough against Atlanta on Wednesday night.

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Playing on the second night of a back-to-back at Kia Center after taking down the Suns less than 24 hours earlier, the Magic fell behind by as many as 31 points in a 130-101 loss to the Hawks, who secured the four-game regular-season series sweep between the Southeast Division foes.

Orlando lacked defensive intensity, offensive focus and the necessary amount of energy against the Hawks, who were far more efficient from beyond the arc throughout the night when they scored 102 points through the first three quarters.

Although the Magic scored 16 points off 17 Atlanta turnovers, the Hawks notched 22 points off 18 takeaways.

Atlanta (44-33) was led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who notched a game-high 32 points.

The Magic (40-36) head back on the road when they travel to Dallas on Friday for a quick two-game trip that closes Sunday at New Orleans.

Franz returns

Playing in his first game since Feb. 11 due to the extended rehab of a left high ankle sprain, Wagner tried to knock off some rust best he could while playing under a minutes restriction.

On the court for mostly 3-4 minute stints, Wagner missed his first three 3-pointers but still scored eight points in the opening half.

Wagner finished 5 for 13 from the floor for 12 points with one rebound and two assists in 20 minutes.

Second-quarter swing

Trailing 28-25 after the first 12 minutes, the Hawks scored the first five points of the second quarter, opened the quarter on a 19-9 run and ultimately outscored the Magic 47-26 in the frame.

Orlando missed all six of its attempts from 3-point range while Atlanta hit 4 of 8 long-range shots, scoring 14 straight points in one stretch of the quarter. The Magic committed five turnovers that led to eight Atlanta points, allowing the Hawks to get out and run in transition for six fastbreak points.

Not only did Orlando not lead in the second half after it fell behind 72-54 at the break, but it also never cut its deficit to single digits.

Banchero bumpy

Magic forward Paolo Banchero missed his first five shots from the floor and only scored one point in his first nine minutes of action thanks to one free throw.

He didn’t convert a shot from the field until a layup with 2:27 left in the quarter and ended 3 for 9 from the field for just 11 points.

Banchero grabbed eight rebounds and dished out three assists, but turned the ball over three times.

Difference from distance

The Magic made a single 3-pointer in the first half of Wednesday’s game and finished 6 for 32 from the distance.

Jalen Suggs (0 for 5 from 3), Wagner (0 for 6) and Desmond Bane (2 for 6) shot a combined 2 for 17 from distance. That allowed Atlanta’s defense to pack the paint and make it harder on Orlando to score close to the basket.

Alexander-Walker made five 3-pointers on his own when the Hawks ended 15 for 37 (40.5%) from downtown.

Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected]

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