Nickeil Alexander-Walker Scores 31 as Hawks Defeat Magic 132-125 in Season Opener.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored a team-high 31 points to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 132-125 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night at Kia Center, giving Atlanta a winning start to the 2026-27 NBA season. Alexander-Walker delivered two crucial three-pointers in the closing minutes to help Atlanta secure the victory. His second late three-pointer, a 25-foot shot, extended the Hawks' lead to 128-123 with 51 seconds remaining.
Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson contributed 20 points apiece, while C.J. McCollum added 19 and Aaron Wiggins finished with 16. Atlanta's balanced offensive performance helped the team overcome an early double-digit deficit. Orlando was led by Paolo Banchero, who recorded 35 points and 10 assists while shooting an impressive 10-of-12 from the field. Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. each added 22 points, but their contributions were not enough to prevent the Magic from dropping their season opener. The Hawks gained control during a strong second quarter, outscoring Orlando 44-29. Atlanta put together two separate 12-0 scoring runs to erase its early deficit and establish a 72-62 halftime advantage.
However, the Magic responded in the third quarter behind Banchero, who helped spark an 11-0 run. His three-point play gave Orlando a 98-95 lead with two minutes remaining in the period, marking the Magic's first advantage of the second half.
A pivotal moment came with 4:27 remaining in the fourth quarter when Johnson was initially called for an offensive foul after making contact with Desmond Bane. The call would have resulted in Johnson fouling out, but Hawks head coach Quin Snyder challenged the decision. Following a replay review, officials overturned the call after determining Bane had initiated the illegal contact. Atlanta held a 120-117 lead at the time and remained ahead for the rest of the contest. The victory extended Atlanta's winning streak against Orlando to six games and spoiled Sean Sweeney's debut as the Magic's head coach.
Up Next
The Hawks will travel to Charlotte on Friday to face the Hornets, looking to build on their opening-night victory. Meanwhile, Orlando will remain at home to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves as the Magic seek their first win of the season.
