Magic Break Out The Broom, Eliminate Hawks From Playoffs With 98-84 Win

Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) – Vince Carter struck for 22 points and Orlando made 16 shots from beyond the arc, and the Magic advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for a second straight year, beating Atlanta, 98-84, to finish off another playoff sweep.

Rashard Lewis and Mickael Pietrus each sank four three-point shots, ending with 17 and 12 points, respectively, as the Magic recorded the largest four- game victory margin in NBA playoff history, winning the series by a total of 101 points.

Jameer Nelson tallied 16 points and Dwight Howard checked in with 13 points, eight boards and four blocks for Orlando, which won its 14th game in a row dating back to the regular season. The Magic swept Charlotte in the first round before disposing of the Hawks in the conference semifinals.

Orlando, which went 16-of-37 from beyond the arc, advanced to play either Cleveland or Boston in the conference finals. The series between the Cavaliers and Celtics is even heading to Game 5 Tuesday in Cleveland. The Magic polished off the Cavs in six games in last year’s conference finals before losing to the Lakers in five in the title series.

Jamal Crawford led the way with 18 points for the Hawks, who fell to a dismal 0-14 all-time in conference semifinal series since the round was renamed as such in 1971. Josh Smith added 16 points for the Hawks, who never led in the game.

It may have been the final game in an Atlanta uniform for Joe Johnson and the last one for Mike Woodson as head coach of the Hawks. Johnson, who had 14 points on 5-of-15 shooting, is due to be a free agent this summer. Woodson is in the final year of his contract.