Paolo Banchero scored 32 points, and Franz Wagner added 26 as the Orlando Magic secured a 111-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night. The win improved Orlando’s record to 35-38, keeping them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 25 points and nine assists, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent another loss for the Hornets. Josh Green and Nick Smith Jr. each contributed 13 points, while Mark Williams grabbed a team-high 13 rebounds.
Orlando closed the game on a 7-0 run after Smith tied it at 104-all with just over two minutes remaining. Anthony Black’s dunk put the Magic ahead for good, and Wagner sealed the win with five free throws in the final stretch.
Banchero’s 32-point performance marked his fourth straight game scoring at least 30. He also added seven rebounds and six assists, helping Orlando complete a season sweep over Charlotte. The Magic have now won five of their last seven games.
Wendell Carter Jr. controlled the glass for Orlando, pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds. The Magic also took care of the ball, committing just eight turnovers while shooting 84.2% from the free-throw line.
Ball continued to put up strong numbers, shooting 9-for-13 from the field, but Charlotte dropped its fifth game in six outings. Already eliminated from playoff contention, the Hornets struggled down the stretch and failed to contain Orlando’s late surge.
