Hawks remain NBA's hottest with win during nixed Magic City Night

The NBA may have successfully nixed Magic City Night, but no one's having nearly as much luck breaking up the surging Atlanta Hawks.

On Monday, the Eastern Conference's two hottest teams met in Atlanta when the Orlando Magic (38-29, sixth in Eastern Conference), winners of seven in a row, came to town and were handed a 124-112 loss, giving the Hawks (37-31, eighth in Eastern Conference) a 10th consecutive victory.

Guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored a career-high 41 points, on 12-of-22 shooting, including 9-of-15 from beyond the arc. Forward Jalen Johnson continued his breakout campaign, finishing with 24 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists, his 13th triple-double of the season.

Atlanta Hawks rout Orlando Magic during nixed Magic City Night

Monday was supposed to be Magic City Night, a promotional night celebrating Atlanta's popular Magic City strip club. While remnants of the event remained — including the club's famous lemon pepper wings and a halftime show by rapper T.I. — the NBA formally canceled it last Monday. 

Like Whos in Whoville waking to a barren Christmas, Atlanta didn't let the league office ruin a good time. And the Hawks made it a day worth celebrating even more.

Atlanta's 10-game win streak is the league's longest active streak. Before the stretch began, the Hawks were sliding down the East standings thanks to a prolonged slump, going 14-23 from December 1, 2025, through February 20, 2026.

It's been a completely different story in the weeks since. Tuesday's win was Atlanta's ninth by double digits during the current streak. The Hawks are averaging 122.9 points per game, but the main reason for the turnaround has been their defense. Opponents are averaging 104.8 points per game, and Atlanta has held four under 100 points, the same number of opponents it held under the century mark during its first 58 games, when it allowed 118.6 points per game.

The Hawks have bounced back from a long, disappointing stretch with their best basketball of the season as the playoffs approach. While the NBA spoiled Magic City Night, slowing Atlanta's roll won't be as easy.