By Daniel Feuerstein | Orlando, FL | April 17th, 2026
The Orlando Magic hosted the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA Play-In Game to attempt to make the playoffs, and the winner would face the Detroit Pistons in the first round. From the opening tip-off until the end, the Magic were the dominant side and showed no mercy to the Hornets. They swarmed their opposition and played sterling defense all game long. They frustrated the Hornets and out-classed them in three quarters until the fourth quarter became meaningless. The Magic advanced to the first round with a 121-90 victory at the Kia Center.
It was a masterclass for the Magic as they were the dominating side on the court. They showed no mercy, and they were ready to show everyone who wanted to face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Everyone shared the ball well, set up plays, and finished off the Hornets in style. Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 25 points, and Franz Wagner was second on Orlando with 18 points, while Lamelo Ball led all Hornets scorers with 23 points.
First Half: Magic put a spell and dazzled
Paolo Banchero told his team to climb his back and let him lead them to a victory. The Hornets were no match for the Magic as they played fabulous defense, swatting away the ball at the rim, and they got amazing three-point shots from Franz Wagner. They also got some huge defensive stops and several slams, and one’s from Goga Bitadze, who looked solid coming off the bench, making an impact on the court.
Second Half: Game over by the end of the third quarter
After taking a 31-point lead at the end of the first half, the Magic continued their onslaught of the Hornets. By the end of the third quarter, they reached over 100 points and never looked back. All the hornets could do in the fourth quarter was to limit the damage on the scoreboard and make the loss look a bit easier for themselves, but once again, the Magic were determined to make a statement, and they did.
KEY STATS:
ORLANDO: 42 FOR 82 FG’S, 8 FOR 27 3PTS, 29 FOR 37 FT’S
CHARLOTTE: 28 FOR 83 FG’S, 12 FOR 45 3PTS, 22 FOR 25 FT’S
LARGEST LEAD: The Magic with 35 points in the second quarter
MOST POINTS: The Magic with 38 points in the first quarter
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