{"id":134321,"date":"2025-04-14T20:35:03","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T00:35:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=134321"},"modified":"2025-04-14T20:36:48","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T00:36:48","slug":"hawks-keys-to-earning-playoff-berth-against-magic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/04\/14\/hawks-keys-to-earning-playoff-berth-against-magic\/","title":{"rendered":"Hawks Keys to Earning Playoff Berth Against Magic"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Atlanta Hawks closed their 2024-25 regular season with a 40-42 record, finishing eighth in the Eastern Conference. Despite Jalen Johnson<\/a> being out for the campaign since Jan. 23, they still put themselves in a good position to earn a playoff berth via the Play-In Tournament. Now, Atlanta faces the Orlando Magic on the road for a chance to face the Boston Celtics<\/a> in a first round playoff series. Can Trae Young<\/a> and the Hawks emerge victorious? Here are two key factors for fans to keep a close watch on.<\/p>\n

Hawks Keys to Earning Playoff Berth Against Magic<\/h2>\n

It’s All About Pushing the Pace for Atlanta For Hawks to Earn Playoff Berth<\/h3>\n

The Magic finished in the top three in defensive rating for the second straight campaign at 109.1. They accomplished this feat with 2023-24 All-Defensive Second Team guard, Jalen Suggs<\/a>, only playing 35 games<\/a> this season. For the Hawks to score at will against Orlando’s stifling defense, they need to get out on the fastbreak.<\/p>\n

Atlanta finished third in pace<\/a> (103.41) and second in total possessions<\/a> (8,521) this season. While Johnson is one of their top offensive weapons in transition when healthy, rookie Zaccharie Risacher<\/a> emerged as a formidable finisher in the open court, consistently finding opportunities for easy buckets after hit-ahead or outlet passes.<\/p>\n

Two of the most effective ways to score in the open court are forcing the Magic into live-ball turnovers and controlling the defensive glass for quick outlet passes. Dyson Daniels<\/a>, who led the league at three steals per game<\/a>, will be counted on heavily to hound the Magic’s ball handlers. Without Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu<\/a> defended Paolo Banchero<\/a> in the season series, meaning Mouhamed Gueye<\/a>, who started 28 games after Johnson went down, battled Wendell Carter Jr.<\/a> at center. The 2023 second-round pick grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds against the Philadelphia 76ers<\/a> in game 81.<\/p>\n

If the Hawks control both of these aspects, they put themselves in a great position for offensive success against a tough, athletic defense.<\/p>\n

Force the Magic into Perimeter Shots<\/h3>\n

Led by star forwards, Banchero and Franz Wagner<\/a>, the Magic play a physical brand of basketball, oftentimes bullying their way into their opponent’s paint. In contrast, Orlando ranked dead last in three-point efficiency<\/a> and threes made<\/a> per game. Suggs led the squad with 2.2 triples per contest. Missed three-point shots often lead to long rebounds, giving Atlanta more chances to get out and run. Therefore, the Hawks give themselves the best chance if they keep the Magic out of the paint.<\/p>\n

Daniels spoke on the importance of physicality and limiting Orlando’s looks inside at the Hawks’ practice.<\/p>\n

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Asked Dyson Daniels how he believes postseason physicality and officiating will affect Tuesday\u2019s game. \u2066@929TheGame<\/a>\u2069 pic.twitter.com\/VR7kY511ZX<\/a><\/p>\n

— Caleb Johnson (@ATLjohnson18) April 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n