Orlando Magic Pull Away Late Against Charlotte Hornets to Secure Third Straight Victory · Orlando Magic at Charlotte Hornets ….

Orlando Magic Pull Away Late Against Charlotte Hornets to Secure Third Straight Victory · Orlando Magic at Charlotte Hornets ….

 

Orlando Magic overcame a tough fight from the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, ultimately pulling away in the final minutes for a 112-104 victory. This win marks their third consecutive triumph, putting them firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference.

 

From the tip-off, the game was set to be a battle, with both teams eager to make a statement as the season winds down. Orlando came into the game riding high on back-to-back victories, while Charlotte, despite struggling with consistency, had been showing flashes of promise throughout the season.

 

A Back-and-Forth First Half

 

The first half was filled with momentum swings as both teams exchanged runs. Charlotte, led by guard LaMelo Ball, started strong. Ball, who had been inconsistent recently, found his rhythm early with slick ball handling and sharp passing. He set up teammates and kept the Magic defense on their toes, contributing 10 points and 6 assists by halftime. Charlotte’s offense was clicking, and the Hornets looked poised to give Orlando a tough fight.

 

However, Orlando’s defense and balanced offense kept them within striking distance. Franz Wagner was a standout for the Magic in the first half, scoring 14 points and showing his versatility as he mixed drives to the basket with long-range shooting. Paolo Banchero also chipped in, contributing 9 points and playing with energy that seemed to ignite the team. The Magic closed the first half down by just three points, 54-51, with everything to play for in the second half.

 

Hornets Rally but Magic Hold Firm

 

The second half saw Charlotte regain control briefly, as the Hornets came out of the locker room with renewed intensity. A 7-0 run in the early minutes of the third quarter saw them build a small lead, but Orlando’s resilience was evident. The Magic responded with their own run, led by veteran guard Markelle Fultz, who showed poise in handling the ball and making key plays. Fultz’s leadership on both ends of the floor kept the Magic in the game, and his defense on Ball was crucial in stifling the Hornets’ momentum.

 

By the end of the third, Charlotte held a slight 83-80 lead, setting the stage for a dramatic final quarter. The game was up for grabs, with both teams desperate for a win.

 

Magic Surge in the Final Minutes

 

As the game entered the final five minutes, Orlando’s depth and defensive intensity began to take over. The Magic’s defensive rotations were sharp, limiting Charlotte’s open looks and forcing the Hornets into contested shots. Orlando capitalized on the Hornets’ mistakes, turning defensive rebounds into fast-break opportunities that led to easy points.

 

Banchero, who had been relatively quiet in the second half, stepped up with key baskets, including a timely three-pointer that gave Orlando a 104-98 lead with under two minutes remaining. The Magic also benefitted from free-throw shooting down the stretch, as the Hornets were forced to foul to stop the clock.

 

Despite a late push from Charlotte, including a three-pointer by Terry Rozier that cut the lead to 106-104 with 30 seconds left, the Magic remained calm under pressure. A pair of free throws from Fultz sealed the victory, giving the Magic a hard-fought 112-104 win.

 

Standout Performers

 

Paolo Banchero led the way for Orlando with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, showcasing his all-around game. Franz Wagner finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, proving again why he’s one of the Magic’s most reliable players. Markelle Fultz added 16 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals, providing leadership and control in the final minutes.

 

For Charlotte, LaMelo Ball finished with 22 points and 9 assists, but his efforts were not enough to overcome Orlando’s late-game execution. Terry Rozier also contributed with 18 points, while P.J. Washington added 15 points and 7 rebounds.

 

Looking Ahead

 

With this win, the Magic improve to 35-36 on the season and will look to build on this momentum as they continue their playoff push. For Charlotte, the loss drops them to 22-50, with the focus now shifting to player development and building for the future.

 

Orlando’s next challenge will come this weekend as they face off against the Boston Celtics, a much tougher opponent. If they can continue to execute down the stretch and rely on their growing chemistry, the Magic may be able to make a significant impact in the playoff race as the regular season winds down.