Magic and Suns Punch Playoff Tickets as 2026 SoFi Play-In Tournament Concludes with Thrilling Finishes
ORLANDO, Fla. — The 2026 SoFi Play-In Tournament wrapped up with high-stakes drama on Friday night, as the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns secured the No. 8 seeds in their respective conferences, earning spots in the NBA playoffs.[2][5]
In the Eastern Conference finale, the Magic dominated the Charlotte Hornets to advance to the postseason for the third straight year, extending their longest playoff streak since the 2007-2012 era.[2] Meanwhile, in the West, the Golden State Warriors fell to the Suns in a nail-biter, handing Phoenix the final playoff berth after a grueling play-in gauntlet.[5]
Eastern Conference: Magic Overpower Hornets for Eighth Seed
The Orlando Magic hosted the Charlotte Hornets in a do-or-die clash for the East’s No. 8 seed. Having lost to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the week, the Magic bounced back decisively. Full game highlights from the matchup showcased Orlando’s defensive prowess and offensive efficiency, propelling them past Charlotte.[2]
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Magic, who now head into the playoffs with momentum. Their three-year playoff appearance streak is their best run since a golden era that saw them reach the NBA Finals in 2009. Orlando will face a tough first-round opponent as the No. 8 seed, but their recent form suggests they could be dangerous spoilers.
“The Magic reach the Playoffs for a third consecutive year, their longest playoff streak since making the playoffs from 2007-2012.”[2]
The Hornets, who had stunned the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime on Tuesday to reach this stage, saw their season end despite a valiant effort.[3] Charlotte’s play-in run was a highlight in an otherwise rebuilding year, but they couldn’t overcome Orlando’s home-court energy.
Western Conference: Suns Edge Warriors in Climactic Showdown
The Western Conference play-in tournament reached fever pitch with the Golden State Warriors visiting the Phoenix Suns for the No. 8 seed. The Warriors had staged a stunning comeback against the LA Clippers on Wednesday, shooting a blistering 75% from the field and 72.7% from three in the fourth quarter to win 126-121.[1][3] Draymond Green’s two clutch steals sealed that victory, setting up this winner-take-all battle.[1]
However, the Suns proved too much at home. Full highlights from the April 17 game captured the intensity, with Phoenix holding off Golden State’s late surge to claim the spot.[5] The Suns had dropped their initial play-in game to the Portland Trail Blazers 114-110 on Tuesday, forcing them into this elimination game.[3]
Golden State’s season ends on a heartbreaking note after their dramatic Clippers win. The Warriors’ collective fire in the fourth quarter against LA — going 15-of-20 from the field and 8-of-11 from deep — wasn’t enough against Phoenix.[1] For the Suns, it’s a ticket to the playoffs and a chance to build on their regular-season promise.
Play-In Tournament Recap: A Week of Upsets and Comebacks
The 2026 SoFi Play-In Tournament delivered non-stop action from April 15 onward. Key results shaped the playoff picture:
- Philadelphia 76ers defeated Orlando Magic on April 15, securing the No. 7 seed and a first-round matchup with the Boston Celtics — the 23rd playoff series between the rivals.[4][3]
- Charlotte Hornets edged Miami Heat 127-126 in OT on Tuesday, advancing to face the Magic.[3]
- Golden State Warriors stormed back to beat LA Clippers 126-121 on Wednesday, with Bennedict Mathurin lighting it up for the Clippers before Golden State’s fourth-quarter explosion.[3][1]
- Portland Trail Blazers upset Phoenix Suns 114-110 on Tuesday, moving on to face the San Antonio Spurs.[3]
ESPN’s live updates captured top moments, including Mathurin’s five three-pointers in the Clippers-Warriors thriller.[3] The tournament’s format once again proved its worth, creating must-win spectacles that captivated fans.
| Game | Date | Score | Winner Advances To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magic at 76ers | April 15 | 76ers 109-97 Magic | 76ers No. 7 seed |
| Hornets at Heat | Tuesday | Hornets 127-126 Heat (OT) | Hornets vs. Magic |
| Warriors at Clippers | April 15/Wed | Warriors 126-121 Clippers | Warriors vs. Suns |
| Blazers at Suns | Tuesday | Blazers 114-110 Suns | Blazers vs. Spurs |
| Hornets at Magic | April 17 | Magic win | Magic No. 8 seed |
| Warriors at Suns | April 17 | Suns win | Suns No. 8 seed |
Playoff Implications and Looking Ahead
With the play-in concluded, the full playoff brackets are set. The Magic enter as the East’s No. 8 seed, facing the top-seeded team in a best-of-seven series. Their defensive identity and home success could make them a tough out. In the West, the Suns gear up for a first-round clash, relying on star power to navigate a loaded conference.
The tournament highlighted resilience: Golden State’s comeback against the Clippers, Charlotte’s OT thriller over Miami, and Portland’s upset of Phoenix set the stage for these finals.[1][3] Fans can relive every moment through official NBA highlights on YouTube.[1][2][4][5]
As the playoffs tip off, all eyes are on these No. 8 seeds to see if they can replicate past Cinderella stories. The 2026 postseason promises excitement from the opening round.