Nickeil Alexander-Walker's late baskets key Hawks' win over Magic

Oct 21, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) and Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) chase a loose ball during the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 31 points and hit a pair of clutch 3-pointers in the final two minutes to help the visiting Atlanta Hawks defeat the Orlando Magic 132-125 on Wednesday in the season opener for both teams. The result spoiled the debut of first-year Orlando coach Sean Sweeney. Alexander-Walker's two 3-pointers helped the Hawks stretch their lead from 122-121 to 128-123, an advantage they never relinquished down the stretch. He shot 5-for-8 from 3-point range and 10-for-13 from the free-throw line. Atlanta also got 20 points and 14 rebounds from Jalen Johnson, 20 points and five steals from Dyson Daniels, and 19 points from CJ McCollum. Orlando's Paolo Banchero scored 35 points on 10-of-12 shooting from the floor and added seven rebounds and 10 assists. He exchanged words with Johnson after the game. The Magic also got 22 points apiece from Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner and 18 points from Desmond Bane. It was Atlanta's sixth consecutive win over Orlando. The Magic led by as many as 10 points in the first quarter and took a 33-28 advantage into the second. The Hawks shifted the momentum and built a 52-42 lead on a drive by Johnson with 5:14 left in the first half. Atlanta led by as many as 13 points after a McCollum 3-pointer and held a 72-62 advantage at halftime. Banchero scored 22 points in the first half, while teammate Tristan da Silva made four 3-pointers and added 12 points. Daniels led the Hawks with 16 points before the break. Atlanta led by as many as 14 points in the third quarter, only to see Orlando rally at the free-throw line. The Magic outscored the Hawks 20-7 on free throws in the period and took a 98-95 lead on consecutive three-point plays by Goga Bitadze and Banchero. Orlando carried a 100-99 edge into the fourth quarter. The Hawks led by one point with 4:27 remaining when Johnson was called for an offensive foul that would have been his sixth personal foul. Atlanta challenged the call, and it was overturned after a lengthy video review, allowing Johnson to remain in the game as the Hawks built momentum for the closing minutes. --Field Level Media