Orlando were stung by the Hornets in the Amway Center last night, falling to a fourth defeat of the season. Charlotte won by 120-111 after finally pulling away from the Magic during the final quarter. Orlando now have a 1-4 losing record to start the season and sit 13th in the Eastern Conference standings.
For three quarters the Magic were step for step with the Hornets, as the team traded scoring runs. Orlando had a lead in the fourth but went cold, missing multiple opportunities to score. Again for Orlando turnovers were pivotal, 19 in total including an horrendous 8 in the final quarter. There was a notable disparity in free throws, Charlotte shooting from the line an additional eleven times to Orlando.
For Charlotte Miles Bridges was unstoppable on offence as the current Eastern Conference Player of the Week continued his impressive start to the season. Gordon Hayward, Mason Plumlee and Jalen McDaniels were able assistants as they helped propel the Hornets to victory.
Top Performers For The Magic
Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr again joined together to be a force in the front court. Carter recorded a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. Bamba also had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Cole Anthony was strong, leading the team with 24 points.
Franz Wagner finished with 15 points. He has now scored in double figures in every game this season. He is shooting a field goal percentage just shy of 52% and almost 42% from beyond the arc. Add in his defensive play and it is easy to see how Franz is rapidly becoming a fan favourite.
Moving On After Orlando Were Stung By The Hornets
A full game review by the Magic’s Josh Cohen can be read here on the Orlando Magic website.
Up next for Orlando is a three game road trip over just 4 nights, where Jalen Suggs will go against fellow 2021 Draft players.
First up is the Toronto Raptors on Friday 29th, which is the first night of a back-to-back. Number 4 Draft pick Scottie Barnes awaits, along with former Magic centre Khem Birch. They have started the season with a 2-3 losing record.
It is then a short hop to Detroit for the second night of the back-to-back facing the Pistons on Saturday 30th. Number 1 draft pick Cade Cunningham may be missing for the Pistons through an ankle injury. Detroit lost each game so far and have a 0-3 record.
Finally Orlando are in Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 1st, with a 3-1 winning start that sees them sat at 3rd in the Western Conference.
