On Sunday, the Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets 119-113 in the Spectrum Center, winning their second game in a row. The win was the 22nd of the year and it put the Magic three games back from the Washington Wizards for a play-in spot.
Magic Center Wendell Carter Jr. on the win: “I think we locked into our game plan when it mattered…We did a really good job locking in and what we had to do to get a W.”
Carter Jr. and Paolo Banchero’s Double-Doubles Push Magic Offensively
Carter Jr. played very well in the game in Charlotte. He finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Banchero continues his sensational rookie season with a double-double of his own. He finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five rebounds. He also shot extremely well from the free throw stripe, going 10-of-11 (91%). His ability to drawl fouls was incredible as it accounted for 45% of his points.
The Magic had a memorable night from the free throw line as a team. They went 27-of-30 (90%) from the stripe and completely took advantage of the Hornets’ team total of 23 fouls. This kept them in a game they found themselves down by as many as double digits at certain points.
The Magic out rebounded the Hornets 52-39 as a team. Many bench players for Orlando contributed to the high team total. Jonathan Issac, Bol Bol, and Mo Wagner combined for 16 boards. The trio also combined for 22 points showing the value bench players held in this Orlando win.
Cole Anthony was a valuable asset off the bench as well. He finished with nine points and five assists.
Mo Bamba and Jalen Suggs did not play due to suspensions from a fight against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Suggs will be back as he was gone for only this game. Meanwhile, Bamba will serve a suspension of three more games in his four game suspension he received.
LaMelo Ball has Career Day Despite the Loss
Ball finished with 33 points in one of his best scoring games of his career. He also contributed in many other parts of the game, recording eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. His activity kept this game close and it really pushed Orlando to convert on really technical facets of the game like free throws and rebounding.
Terry Rozier had a highly efficient night, too, for Charlotte. He went 9-of-14 (64%) from the field and finished with 24 points. He was also 3-of-5 (60%) from three point range and 3-of-4 (75%) from the free throw line. Rozier also did well creating opportunities for his teammates, earning six assists.
Up Next
The Magic now sit with a 22-32 record on the season. They are now 17-12 since starting the year 5-20 with lots of unhealthy players. The have won three of their last four. Their next game will be back at home in the Amway Center Tuesday night as they will play the New York Knicks. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m. E.T.