Orlando Magic Grades: Charlotte Hornets 107, Orlando Magic 99
The Orlando Magic had to use some odd lineups to climb back into the game and that helped the Magic look better than they might have otherwise.
38. Final. 107. 170. 99
The Orlando Magic had a disastrous second quarter, giving up a 30-4 run to close the quarter. They seemed to bury themselves even more in the third quarter when the team went down by as much as 26 points.
That would seemingly be the time for the Magic to let themselves drag and wilt to the finish. Especially with injuries and foul trouble severely limiting the roster.
Orlando found a way to come back though, cutting the lead all the way to six and making the Charlotte Hornets sweat just a little bit.
The deficit did prove to be too much. Orlando failed to collect a few key defensive rebounds and had a few shots rim out or get taken just a hair too quickly as time began to run out. The Magic fought.
Of course, that kind of moral victory is meaningless. The Magic let themselves get too far behind, get down on themselves and make things worse before mounting a comeback and giving themselves a chance.
B+. <p><strong><a href=. SG. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO
SF. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER. C-. <p><strong><a href=
ANDREW NICHOLSON. B+. <p><strong><a href=. F/C. Orlando Magic
B-. <p><strong><a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. BRANDON JENNINGS
<p>The Charlotte Hornets had a bit of a slow start and an even shakier finish. This was not one of their best games as one of the better defensive teams and offensive teams in the league. They certainly proved very capable of blowing the doors open.</p><p>They did it largely with defense and effort. Always a good sign. Even as Orlando held a small lead, Charlotte was kind of bubbling under the surface. They were extremely active on the offensive glass and were moving the ball around the perimeter well. It was only a matter of time before they would start making shots.</p><p>They did and then they let go of the rope some and let the Magic back into the game. Even with those big rebounds and opportunities. Orlando whittled the lead down and Charlotte had to snap back to focus and put it away. This should have been an easy win for the Hornets with the desperate lineups the Magic had to send out.</p>. 38-29. 6th East. CHARLOTTE HORNETS. B-