Magic routed by Hawks in Franz Wagner's return

Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel on Apr 1, 2026

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ORLANDO, Fla. — The long-awaited return of Franz Wagner provided the Magic with a boost both emotionally and on the court Wednesday night, but it wasn’t nearly enough in a 130-101 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

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 were routed by the Hawks, who secured the four-game regular-season series sweep.

Orlando lacked defensive intensity, offensive focus and the necessary amount of energy against the Hawks, who scored 102 points through the first three quarters.

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 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 and 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, opening the quarter on a 19-9 run and outscoring 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 fast-break 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 scored one point in his first nine minutes of action.

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 11 points.

Banchero grabbed eight rebounds and dished out three assists. He 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 long range.

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 as the Hawks ended 15 for 37 (40.5%) from downtown.