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ATLANTA — The Magic believed they had turned a corner out of the NBA All-Star break when they entered Monday’s game against the Hawks on a seven-game winning streak. But Orlando reverted to bad habits when they failed to start strong, couldn’t convert from distance and allowed Atlanta to gain extra possessions whether through offensive rebounds or defensive takeaways. In a meeting between two surging Southeast Division foes, it was the Hawks who extended their winning streak to 10 games, handing the Magic a 124-112 loss at State Farm Arena in front of a national TV audience.
Orlando gave up 33-plus points in each of the opening three quarters and trailed by as many as 29 points in the 12-point road loss. Down 21 entering the fourth, it got within 12 with 3 1/2 minutes remaining but fell short of a late comeback. Backed by 41 points from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta (37-31) secured the regular-season series by beating Orlando a third time this year.
The sides meet a fourth and final time April 1 in Central Florida on ESPN. The Magic (38-29) have a quick turnaround when they head home to host the defending champion Thunder on Tuesday night at Kia Center. Slow start Orlando found itself down 13 at the end of the first quarter and then trailing by 17 at the half.
The Hawks not only shot the ball better from distance but they also controlled the boards from the jump. Although the Magic shot 8 for 23 in the first quarter, they grabbed zero offensive rebounds. By the break, Atlanta held a 12-4 advantage in second-chance scoring thanks an 8-2 difference on the offensive glass.
Although Paolo Banchero scored 11 first-half points, he shot 1 for 7 from the floor and scored his first eight points at the free throw line. His lone first-half field goal was a 3-pointer with 4:18 left in the second quarter. Glass break Orlando’s inability to rebound on the defensive end on grew from there.