Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

A new season. A much different result. The Atlanta Hawks are moving on in the playoffs, knocking out the team that beat them so badly a year ago.

Joe Johnson scored 23 points and came up with a huge offensive rebound, leading Atlanta past Orlando 84-81 in Game 6 Thursday night to finish off the Magic in the opening round.

The Hawks, who won the series 4-2, advanced to the second round for the third straight year, this time against the top-seeded Bulls. Game 1 is Monday night in Chicago.

What a difference a year makes. In 2010, the Magic routed the Hawks in four straight games, winning by an average of more than 25 points. It was the most lopsided sweep in NBA playoff history.

“What better redemption than to play them again?” said Jamal Crawford, who hit two big free throws after Johnson swatted him the ball. “We were up to the challenge.”

Orlando heads into an uncertain offseason after its earliest playoff ouster since 2007. Who knows what the future holds for the Magic’s best player, Dwight Howard?

The big man can become a free agent after next season but may be angling to get out earlier, now that the Magic appear to be heading in the wrong direction. Orlando made the final two years ago, the conference finals last season.

WRITTEN BY STATS LLC and The Associated Press & FULL STORY HERE