The Orlando Magic dropped their first game of the season to a division rival and top contender, the Atlanta Hawks, 111-107. Orlando controlled much of the middle stretch but stalled in the fourth quarter, allowing Atlanta to close the gap late. Losses sting, but with the season still young, the Magic must rebound quickly and move on. Here are three takeaways from the game:

Franz Wagner could make a run at an All-NBA team:

It’s still early, but forward Franz Wagner has already shown another leap in his game. He led the Magic with 27 points on an efficient 10-for-17 shooting night. Despite a quiet fourth quarter, Wagner continues to prove his scoring ability has reached another level.

Coach Jamahl Mosley is confident in the growth he’s seen from Wagner early this season.

“Pure level of aggression,” Mosley said post-game. “Getting out in transition, getting some early, easy baskets, make or miss, looking to get out and run, just putting pressure on the defense, getting to the paint, touching the paint, and then being able to make a play from there.”

Paolo Banchero will be fine:

Although it’s early, Paolo Banchero hasn’t looked sharp, struggling to push the pace in transition or attack his spots with confidence. His uneven play peaked with a missed three-pointer late, when the Magic had a chance to tie or take the lead. The good news: it’s still early, and as he adjusts to new offensive support, better performances should follow his 11-point outing.

“Paolo continues to work,” Mosley said. “There's not something I worry about with him when it comes to that, like he puts in the time, puts in the work, understanding how he needs to play and what he's going to continue to do.” 

The offense must overcome obstacles:

Through their first two games, the offense has produced solid scoring numbers, but key mistakes in this loss swung the result late, starting with turnovers and missed free throws. Orlando committed 22 turnovers and shot just 65 percent from the line yet still kept it close. If the Magic can clean up those self-inflicted errors, especially late, they’ll be in much better shape moving forward.

Center Wendell Carter Jr. said the team must hold each other accountable to keep improving throughout the season.

“We all want to win,” Carter Jr. said. “So we're all able to have those conversations with one another, constructive criticism, and then we just keep it moving. We all understand that it's never a personal thing. We got great leaders, great vocal leaders. This is a game that we'll talk about, and we keep it pushing.”

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