Hornets Torch Magic with Statement Win, Showcasing Growth and Grit
Final: Charlotte Hornets 124, Orlando Magic 97
On the second night of a back-to-back, the Charlotte Hornets didn’t just show up-they showed out. Less than 24 hours after a rough national TV outing against Cleveland, Charlotte came out with purpose and energy, delivering a wire-to-wire beatdown of the Orlando Magic that felt decided before halftime.
Let’s break down what made this one so lopsided-and why it might be more than just a one-off hot shooting night.
Fast Start, Full Control
The Hornets wasted no time setting the tone. They came out firing from deep, burying nine threes in the first quarter alone-a blistering 64.3% clip (9-of-14). While that number doesn’t quite crack the NBA record (12 in a quarter) or the franchise high (11, set in 2021), it was more than enough to put Orlando on their heels early.
LaMelo Ball, back in the starting lineup after coming off the bench against Cleveland, looked sharp and decisive. He finished with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists, hitting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc and orchestrating the offense with poise. His return to the starting five brought a noticeable rhythm to Charlotte’s attack.
Collin Sexton brought the energy as well, pouring in 19 points with 4 assists and 2 steals. His aggressive downhill drives in the first quarter helped Charlotte maintain momentum just as Orlando tried to claw back. By the time the second quarter rolled around, the Hornets had built a 20-point cushion-and never looked back.
The Shooting Disparity Was Real
This game was defined by the three-point line. Charlotte finished 17-of-36 from deep (47.2%), while the Magic couldn’t buy a bucket from distance, going just 6-of-37 (16.2%). That’s a 33-point gap from beyond the arc alone.
It wasn’t just hot shooting-it was a smart defensive game plan. The Hornets showed Paolo Banchero extra attention, mixing in zone coverages and crowding his space.
That forced Orlando into settling for jumpers, and they simply couldn’t convert. Banchero still managed 23 points on 6-of-12 shooting, but the rest of the Magic couldn’t get going.
Winning the Hustle Plays
What makes this win even more impressive? It came on tired legs.
This was the second game in as many nights for Charlotte, yet they were the ones doing the dirty work. They won the rebounding battle 47-31 and dominated second-chance points, 16-2.
That’s effort. That’s physicality.
That’s a team that came ready to compete.
Brandon Miller: ISO Artist in the Making
Brandon Miller continues to show why the Hornets are so high on his long-term potential. After a tale-of-two-halves performance against Cleveland-where he struggled early but caught fire in the second half-Miller carried that momentum into Orlando.
He looked comfortable creating his own shot, showing off a tighter handle and more confident footwork in isolation. He finished with 20 points and 4 steals, controlling the tempo and making life tough on the Magic on both ends. His growth as a one-on-one scorer is becoming a real weapon for Charlotte.
Lineup Chemistry Clicking
The Ball-Miller-Kon-Bridges-Moussa lineup moved to 7-1 on the season, and in limited minutes against Orlando, it posted a staggering net rating of 61.5. That’s not a typo. This group has found something-spacing, pace, defensive versatility-and it’s starting to look like a core unit the Hornets can build around.
Trending in the Right Direction
Over the past two weeks, Charlotte ranks top five in both offensive and defensive efficiency. That’s not just a hot streak-it’s a sign of real progress.
They’ve gone 4-4 in their last eight games, showing signs of balance and buy-in on both ends of the floor. For the season, they sit 9th in offense and 19th in defense, but the recent upward trend suggests they’re figuring things out.
What’s Next
Due to an incoming snowstorm, the Hornets’ next game has been rescheduled for 12:00pm ET on Saturday. That gives them a bit of extra rest and prep time-valuable after a back-to-back stretch.
As for LaMelo, he’s still managing a thumb issue, but if this performance is any indication, he’s finding ways to be effective regardless. And while some outside voices questioned the decision to bring him off the bench against Cleveland, the Hornets clearly know his value. He’s the engine-and when he’s humming, this team looks dangerous.
Bottom Line: The Hornets didn’t just beat the Magic-they overwhelmed them. With LaMelo back in rhythm, Miller evolving, and the team buying in on both ends, Charlotte is showing signs of a young squad starting to put the pieces together.