Magic fall to Hawks as questions grow on Banchero and Bane

Orlando fell 127-112 to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night at State Farm Arena, a loss that underlined persistent early-season struggles for a team that entered the year with heightened expectations after a blockbuster offseason acquisition. The Magic have rebounded from a 1-4 start with back-to-back wins but reverted to earlier lapses against Atlanta, where poor 3-point shooting, excessive fouling and costly turnovers contributed to a decisive defeat.

Orlando cut an 18-point deficit to four late in the second quarter, only to see Atlanta close the half on a 14-1 run and lead by 17 at intermission. The Hawks extended the margin as large as 25 in the second half. The Magic shot 11 for 34 from long range, committed 30 fouls and struggled to maintain defensive focus on the road during the national-TV contest. Atlanta used a balanced scoring effort, with six players, including all five starters, reaching at least 14 points.

Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in 37 minutes but missed all four of his 3-point attempts. Desmond Bane, the offseason acquisition expected to be a primary scorer, was ejected in the third quarter after being charged with...