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NBA stars Paolo Banchero, Jalen Johnson have to be seperated after tense end to Hawks-Magic

The Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks needed only one game to give their NBA Southeast Division matchup some fresh bad blood. As the final seconds ticked off the Hawks’ 132-125 win over the Magic in the season opener on Wednesday…

By Miguel La Torre · Clutch Points

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 2:49 AM

Key Things to Know

Paolo Banchero and Jalen Johnson had to be separated following a heated exchange at the final buzzer.
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 132-125 in Wednesday night's season opener.
Banchero led Orlando with 35 points and 10 assists, while Johnson posted 20 points and 14 rebounds.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Paolo Banchero and Jalen Johnson were separated by teammates and staffers after exchanging heated words at the buzzer of Atlanta's 132-125 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. The postgame altercation capped a fiercely competitive season opener at the Kia Center, with a late rebound battle cited as a possible trigger.

Banchero posted 35 points and 10 assists for Orlando, while Johnson recorded 20 points and 14 rebounds for Atlanta. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 31 points, spoiling the debut of new Magic head coach Sean Sweeney and extending Atlanta's win streak over Orlando to six games.

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NBA stars Paolo Banchero, Jalen Johnson have to be seperated after tense end to Hawks-Magic

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