Georges Niang channeled his inner Dejounte Murray against the Orlando Magic. Niang wanted all the smoke with Magic star Paolo Banchero Much like Murray did during his first season with the Hawks after a summer of heated interaction between the two.
It did not go well for the Hawks veteran.
Following a play under the basket, Niang mocked Banchero for what he considered flopping. In response, Banchero proceeded to tell Niang “I’m busting yo a**.”
Seen a lot of Magic fans say this was picked up on the broadcast. Hawks fans heard it too. https://t.co/TzFC5OYInS
— Orlando Magic Daily (@OMagicDaily) February 21, 2025
It was not a lie. Banchero had 29 points 7 rebounds, and 5 assists through three quarters, the last 4:32 of which Niang watched from the bench. The Magic big man was 10-for-20 from the floor and 2-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Banchero was also 7-for-10 from the free throw line.
Niang, whom the Hawks acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers before the deadline, had 5 points (1-for-3 FG, 1-for-2 3P), 4 boards, and 2 assists.
The Hawks led by 19 points after a hot start. But they trailed the Magic by 9 points entering the fourth quarter. The Hawks beat the Magic before the All-Star break, and were looking to start their post-break push with a victory.
Atlanta won four of six games before the break.
They were also within striking distance of a top-five seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the Hawks quickly found themselves in foul trouble in the fourth quarter.
The post-deadline (and break) slate is not overly daunting for the Hawks, who have shown an ability to hang with most teams on any given night. But injuries and inconsistency have been hallmarks of this team for years.
That has continued this season, undermining what has been notable gains in key areas.
Whether or not the Hawks are able to make the postseason could go a long way to determining a lot about their future, giving Atlanta additional motivation in a heated matchup with the Magic.