Paolo Banchero's 35 points not enough as Atlanta win in Orlando

Paolo Banchero's 35 points undone by Atlanta's second quarter

Paolo Banchero scored 35 points with 10 assists and 7 rebounds, but Atlanta's 44-29 second quarter decided the game. The Hawks won 132-125 in Orlando.

Banchero's line across 41 minutes was worth a PIR of 39, the highest figure in the game. Even so, Orlando lost by 7 on their own floor.

The Magic took the first quarter 33-28 and answered the second-quarter collapse by winning the third 38-27. Atlanta then took the fourth 33-25 to seal the win.

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How did Paolo Banchero score 35 points against Atlanta?

Banchero built his 35 points on accurate shooting from the field and a heavy diet of free throws. He went 7/8 inside the arc, 3/4 from three and 12/16 at the line.

The free throws reflected a player who kept attacking the rim across 41 minutes. His 10 assists showed he was creating for others too, although 6 turnovers took some shine off the performance.

Banchero ranked 31st in the league by TeamKeys Rating in 2025/2026, with a rating of 90.8. This was a night that matched that standing, even in defeat.

Wendell Carter Jr. gave him the strongest support with 22 points, going 7/7 on two-pointers and 5/5 from the line. Franz Wagner also scored 22, but went 2/8 from three.

How did Atlanta beat Orlando despite Banchero?

Atlanta won through Nickeil Alexander-Walker's 31 points and steady scoring from the rest of their starters. Where Orlando leaned on Banchero, the Hawks spread the load.

Alexander-Walker needed only 30 minutes, hitting 5/8 from three and 10/13 free throws. That was well clear of his 2025/2026 average of 20.3 points over 84 games, when he ranked 65th by TeamKeys Rating.

Jalen Johnson, ranked 9th in the league by TeamKeys Rating, added 20 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Dyson Daniels scored 20 with 5 steals, while C.J. McCollum hit 4/6 from three for 19 points.

Jock Landale offered 10 points off the bench, going 4/4 on two-pointers. That depth gave Atlanta answers whenever Orlando threatened to pull level.

What next for Orlando and Atlanta after opening night?

Orlando sit 17th of 30 at 0-1 and face Minnesota Timberwolves on 23 October 2026. Atlanta are 12th at 1-0 and meet Charlotte Hornets on the same date.

Minnesota are also unbeaten, third in the early table at 1-0, so the Magic face another winning side. Orlando will need more than one star line, because the second and fourth quarters cost them here.

For Atlanta, the opening night offered a clear template. Perimeter shooting from Alexander-Walker and McCollum, pressure from Daniels and Johnson's work on the glass carried them past a 35-point performance.