Magic Breeze by Hornets, Clinching Play-In Spot
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic will be playing bonus basketball this season after a 112-92 blowout against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night at the Kia Center.
The win secures the Magic a spot in at least the Play-In Tournament, the first time Orlando has seen a postseason since 2020.
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The Magic came out hot, limiting the Hornets to just 17 points in the first quarter. Orlando's lead kept growing and the team led by 41 at one point during the game.
Things began to get chippy towards the end of the first half when Davis Bertans struck Jalen Suggs in the head with an elbow. Bertans received a Flagrant 2 foul and was ejected.
That only added fuel to the Magic's fire, leading the team to an easy second half as the game was out of reach.
Cole Anthony led the Magic in scoring with 21 points, while Jalen Suggs added 16 of his own. For the Hornets, No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller also scored 21.
The Magic's win was a microcosm of the season up until this point ... strong defense, offense by committee, and overall toughness. That has led the team to this point and is why the team will be playing in the postseason.
The Magic's eight-game homestand continues Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
