Day 1 NBA Play In Recap

Hawks vs Magic

The Orlando Magic secured the Eastern Conference’s No. 7 seed with a commanding 120–95 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament on April 15. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the game:​Diario AS+6CBSSports.com+6talkSPORT+6


🏀 Game Summary

  • Final Score: Magic 120, Hawks 95
  • Venue: Kia Center, Orlando​

The Magic dominated early, initiating an 18–2 run to close the first quarter and establishing a 32–17 lead. Although the Hawks narrowed the gap to six points entering the fourth quarter, Orlando’s bench, led by Cole Anthony and rookie Anthony Black, reignited the offense to secure the win. ​talkSPORT+4Reuters+4Diario AS+4


🔥 Key Performers

Orlando Magic

  • Cole Anthony: 26 points (13 in the fourth quarter), 6 assists
  • Wendell Carter Jr.: 19 points
  • Paolo Banchero: 17 points, 9 rebounds
  • Anthony Black: 16 points off the bench​ talkSPORT+3Diario AS+3ESPN.com+3

The Magic’s reserves outscored the Hawks’ bench 57–30, highlighting Orlando’s depth. ​Reuters

Atlanta Hawks

  • Trae Young: 28 points before being ejected in the fourth quarter after receiving two technical fouls ​Diario AS

🩺 Injury Report

Orlando Magic

Atlanta Hawks

  • Jalen Johnson: Out for the season (shoulder)
  • Clint Capela: Out (hand)
  • Kobe Bufkin: Out for the season (shoulder)
  • Larry Nance Jr.: Out for the season (knee)
  • Trae Young: Played despite right Achilles tendinitis ​AP NewsOrlando Magic

🔜 Next Steps

  • Orlando Magic: Advance to face the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics in a best-of-seven first-round playoff series starting Sunday, April 20.
  • Atlanta Hawks: Will host the winner of the Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat game on Friday, April 18, for a chance to claim the East’s No. 8 seed and face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. ​Reuters+1CBSSports.com+1CBSSports.com

Grizzlies vs Warriors

In the 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament, the Golden State Warriors secured the Western Conference’s No. 7 seed with a 121–116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 15.​ ESPN.com+5Reuters+5Golden State Of Mind+5


🏀 Game Summary

  • Final Score: Warriors 121, Grizzlies 116
  • Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco​

The Warriors established a 20-point lead by the second quarter, propelled by standout performances from Jimmy Butler III and Stephen Curry. However, the Grizzlies mounted a significant comeback, briefly taking the lead in the third quarter. In the final moments, a critical five-second inbound violation by Memphis allowed Curry to seal the win with free throws.​ talkSPORT+5Golden State Of Mind+5Golden State Of Mind+5Reuters


🔥 Key Performers

Golden State Warriors

  • Jimmy Butler III: 38 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists
  • Stephen Curry: 37 points, 8 rebounds, including 6 three-pointers and a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line
  • Quinten Post: 11 points, 5 rebounds off the bench​talkSPORT+3Golden State Of Mind+3Diario AS+3Reuters

Memphis Grizzlies

  • Desmond Bane: 30 points
  • Ja Morant: 22 points, despite playing through an ankle injury
  • Zach Edey: 14 points, 17 rebounds​Diario AS+1ESPN.com+1Reuters

🎯 Turning Point

With just over five seconds remaining and the Warriors leading by three, Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama committed a five-second inbound violation. This turnover led to Curry’s game-sealing free throws, ensuring Golden State’s victory.​Reuters


🔜 Next Steps

  • Golden State Warriors: Advance to face the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets in a best-of-seven first-round playoff series beginning Sunday.
  • Memphis Grizzlies: Will host the winner of the Kings-Mavericks play-in game on Friday for a chance to claim the No. 8 seed.​Reuters

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