Magic Extend Streak with Win vs. Hornets

The Orlando Magic pulled out a win against the Charlotte Hornets thanks to a stingy defensive effort.

Jeremy Brener | Mar 5, 2024

In this story:

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic are winners once again after a 101-89 victory against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night at the Spectrum Center.

While the Magic and Hornets played a tight-knit game in the first half, Orlando was able to pull away with a strong finish in the third quarter.

A 20-10 run gave the Magic a nine-point lead into the fourth quarter, one they wouldn't relinquish.

Jonathan Isaac Grant Williams Hornets — Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Paolo Banchero led the Magic in scoring with 22 points. He was one of six players to score in double figures, including four off the bench. Orlando outscored Charlotte 46-23 off the bench, proving to be the deciding factor in the game.

The Hornets got a career game from Vasilije Micic, who started for an injured LaMelo Ball. Micic recorded a career-high 21 points for the Hornets in a losing effort.

While it wasn't the prettiest win the Magic have had this season, they relied on their defense to push through. It's the third time on the four-game win streak that the team has surrendered fewer than 100 points.

Jalen Suggs: 'What We're Building Here is Special'

Orlando can't rest for too long because they are back on the floor tomorrow night in the nation's capital against the Washington Wizards for the second half of a back-to-back. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Published Mar 5, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.