The Orlando Magic turned up the heat after a lackluster first half and prevailed against the short-handed Charlotte Hornets. Franz Wagner put in a solid performance, while Paolo Banchero was the top scorer.
The Magic had a hard time finding their rhythm in the first two quarters. Their problems from the three-point line – only five out of 21 in the first half – prevented them from taking a clear lead against the already decimated Hornets, who were once again without LaMelo. Shortly before half-time, things got heated: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Nick Smith Jr. were disqualified after a verbal altercation. At halftime, the game remained completely open.
However, Orlando took command after the break. A decisive run in the third quarter, led by Cole Anthony and Paolo Banchero, who each drained two threes, gave the Magic their first double-digit lead. From a 55-55 tie, the team pulled ahead by 12 points within six minutes and did not relinquish the lead again. Banchero finished with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Franz Wagner played a key role with 16 points and seven rebounds. Anthony Black scored a strong 18 points from the bench.
The Hornets, who struggled with a poor shooting percentage of 39.5, could not withstand the pressure in the second half. Miles Bridges (19 points, eight rebounds) was the most noticeable player for Charlotte, while Josh Green and Damion Baugh each scored 16 points to provide some offensive relief. But without movement of the ball and reliable finishing, Charlotte remained winless in the ninth of its last ten games.
NBA: The Magic and Hornets’ next games
The Magic next play on the road at the Atlanta Hawks on February 21 (1:30 a.m. German time). The Hornets face the Los Angeles Lakers a day earlier (4 a.m. German time).
