Despite a superhuman effort by Dwight Howard, the Orlando Magic were unable to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, coming up short in an 84-81 loss. Howard finished the night with 25 points, 15 rebounds (five offensive) and three blocks, but he also had six of his team's 13 turnovers.
Magic Vs. Hawks Final Score: Atlanta Eliminates Orlando With 84-81 Victory
The Hawks came up big in the final 30 or so seconds of the game. After Jameer Nelson made a layup to make it a one-point lead, Marvin Williams missed a three for the Falcons with eight seconds left on the clock. Joe Johnson came up with the offensive rebound and got the ball to Jamal Crawford, who was fouled by Gilbert Arenas. Crawford made both field goals to increase the lead to three. Orlando's J.J. Redick missed a three and Jason Richardson's three as time expired was blocked by Josh Smith.
Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 23 points and 10 rebounds (seven offensive), and he was joined in the double-double category by Al Horford's 10 points and 12 rebounds. Crawford and Williams added 19 points and 10 points, respectively.
The Hawks won the series, 4-2, and will now face the Chicago Bulls in the second round.
Be sure to check out or Magic vs. Hawks hub for full series coverage. For more on the Magic, visit Orlando Pinstriped Post. For more on the Hawks, visit Peachtree Hoops and SB Nation Atlanta.
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