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The Orlando Magicfell short against the Atlanta Hawks, 132-125, in their season opener at Kia Center on Wednesday, spoiling the debut of coach Sean Sweeney.
The Magic were outplayed in crunch time, giving up back-to-back three-pointers to Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the last two minutes. Orlando lost to Atlanta for the sixth straight time.
After the game, Desmond Bane acknowledged that they shot themselves in the foot, as reported by Sentinel Sports’ Jason Beede.
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“I don’t think the offense was really the problem. We turned the ball over a little bit too much. They killed us on the rebounds. (They) got a lot of offensive rebounds and got to the free-throw line a lot. Those are two things that we’ve talked about since day one. So those are things that we can definitely clean up,” said Bane.
He had 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists. He struggled from the field, shooting 5-of-15, including 3-of-10 from long distance.
The Hawks only had two more rebounds than the Magic. They also had three fewer free throws. Orlando gave up 24 points off 21 turnovers.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 35 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists. Franz Wagner added 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. tallied 22 points and seven rebounds.
The Magic are trying to establish a new identity in Sweeney’s first year. They have qualified for the playoffs for the last three seasons, but they have not made it past the first round.
Bane, Banchero, Wagner, Carter, Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, and Nikola Vucevic will be tasked with carrying the team.
Orlando will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
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