Until the middle of the third quarter, the Magic had the advantage on little inspired Hawks. Then Trae Young stimulates his family and Atlanta managed to return before the last shift of the match, the fourth quarter. With the wind in the back, the players of Quin Snyder could have folded a disoriented magic by this complicated moment.
But Paolo Banchero and his teammates completely dominated the last act to win with authority and qualify for the first round of the Playoffs, facing the Celtics.
“It was a huge collective effort. The guys have raised their level of play, played their role, followed the instructions ”, rejoice Jamahl Mosley, who also talked about the attitude of his group during the turbulence area. “We have already been there, we know these situations with a tight match at home. Our ability to stop, to run at the right time was very important. We saw the team come together when the Hawks accelerated. »»
Storm
The fact of dominating the start of the meeting and then to answer firmly after a weak time makes Cole Anthony “extremely” proud of the Magic. “We started well, they had their moment and let the storm pass”underlines the one who was the best marker in the Magic. “Then we didn't let Atlanta come back, we continued to play our game.”
“We did a very good job to keep control, be calm”also welcomes Paolo Banchero. “There were times when one or two players can frustrate with the referees or with teammates, and it can go very quickly. We were able to say that we had to relax, to resign ourselves. This is what the right teams do. This is what an united wardrobe does. »»
With 13 points in the last quarter, and 26 in total, Cole Anthony was particularly good in the minutes which allowed Orlando to definitively get their hands on the meeting and qualification.
“There were ups and downs for him, but he brought energy, the spark at the outdo of the bench. He plays without fear and we need him to play like this ”, comments his coach.
“It means a lot for me. It was a big match and I'm already happy to have been in the rotation, ”admits Anthony. “I didn't know that the coach was going to be played so it was great to be part of this meeting. I was happy to be there and participate to help my team. »»
