# Orlando Magic lose season opener despite Paolo Banchero dominance

> Orlando Magic fall 132-125 to Atlanta Hawks in season opener as Paolo Banchero scores 35 points.
- Title: Orlando Magic lose season opener despite Paolo Banchero…
- Summary: Orlando Magic fall 132-125 to Atlanta Hawks in season opener as Paolo Banchero scores 35 points. Orlando Magic lost 132-125 to Atlanta Hawks in season opener…
- Keywords: orlando magic, atlanta hawks, paolo banchero, nickeil alexander-walker, jalen suggs, seahawks, nfl, nba, season opener, 35 points, 132-125, hawkins
- Source: Orlando Magic On SI — https://si.com/nba/magic/onsi/how-the-magic-lost-even-with-paolo-banchero-dominating-01m5gc83zj09
- Published: 2026-10-22T02:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: orlando magic, atlanta hawks, paolo banchero, nickeil alexander-walker, jalen suggs, seahawks, nfl, nba, season opener, 35 points, 132-125, hawkins
## Magic lose season opener
Orlando Magic fell 132-125 to Atlanta Hawks in season opener on Wednesday.
## Hawks lead with three 20-point scorers
Atlanta Hawks had three 20-point scorers led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker with 31 points.
## Paolo Banchero dominates
Paolo Banchero scored 35 points with seven rebounds and 10 assists on 10-of-12 shooting.
## Banchero's career highlight
Banchero scored 30 points on 9-of-13 shooting against Utah Jazz on November 2, 2023.
## Magic struggle in second half
Magic trailed by 14 points in second half after strong first half start.
## Key plays by Magic
Wendell Carter Jr., Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane scored timely baskets.
## CJ McCollum and Alexander-Walker seal win
CJ McCollum and Alexander-Walker converted key buckets to prevent Magic comeback.
## Jase Richardson inserted into rotation
Jase Richardson replaced Jamahl Mosley in rotation with two points and two rebounds.
## Sweeney allows Richardson to play through mistakes
Sweeney let Richardson play through mistakes instead of yanking him for Jevon Carter.
## Magic go 10-deep in game
Magic played 10 players in game with Richardson seeing limited role.
## Key takeaway

Orlando Magic lost 132-125 to Atlanta Hawks in season opener despite Paolo Banchero's 35-point performance.