The Charlotte Hornets delivered a resounding performance against the Orlando Magic, securing a dominant 124-97 victory. This win was largely attributed to their exceptional team play, with a remarkable eight players achieving double-digit scores. The Hornets displayed superior shooting accuracy throughout the game, particularly from three-point range, which allowed them to establish and maintain a significant lead. The Magic, returning from a European trip, struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to counter Charlotte's cohesive offensive strategy.
The game unfolded on Thursday, with the visiting Charlotte Hornets quickly establishing control. Brandon Miller spearheaded the scoring effort for Charlotte, contributing 20 points. He was well-supported by Collin Sexton, who added 19 points, LaMelo Ball with 16 points, and Kon Knueppel, who not only scored 13 points but also pulled down 10 rebounds. The Hornets' collective shooting was impressive, converting 53.8% of their field goals and an outstanding 47.2% from beyond the arc, sinking 17 of 36 three-point attempts.
In contrast, the Orlando Magic, playing their first game since concluding a two-game European tour against the Memphis Grizzlies in London, found it difficult to match Charlotte's intensity. Their shooting percentages lagged behind, with 41.8% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range (14 of 37). Despite Paolo Banchero leading the Magic with 23 points and Desmond Bane adding 21, Orlando's early 3-0 lead was quickly erased, and they never managed to regain the advantage.
The Hornets initiated the game with an explosive 21-9 run, featuring six successful three-pointers, and concluded the opening quarter with a comfortable 35-20 lead. This strong start reflected the Magic's recent struggles in first quarters, having been outscored 114-66 in the initial periods of their last three games combined. Charlotte carried this momentum into the second quarter, extending their lead to 49-28 with Sexton's jumper midway through the half. By halftime, Charlotte held a commanding 62-41 lead, largely due to their superior 47.8% three-point shooting compared to Orlando's 26.3%.
The Hornets continued to widen the gap in the third quarter, reaching a 33-point advantage before Banchero's three-pointer reduced the deficit to 97-67 by the quarter's end. With 6:59 remaining in the final period, Ball's basket further solidified Charlotte's lead at 109-82, allowing both teams to rest their starters for the remainder of the game. Tidjane Salaun contributed 13 points, while Miles Bridges, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Moussa Diabate each added 10 points for the Hornets, who have now won two of their three encounters with the Magic this season. The Magic were notably without guard Jalen Suggs, who was sidelined for his eighth consecutive game due to a right knee contusion.
The Charlotte Hornets' victory over the Orlando Magic was a testament to their well-distributed scoring and efficient shooting. Their ability to consistently convert shots from various positions on the court, coupled with the struggles of the Magic, resulted in a lopsided affair. This performance highlights the Hornets' offensive depth and their capacity to execute a comprehensive team strategy, proving too formidable for their opponents on this occasion.