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Orlando Magic Grades: Charlotte Hornets 104, Orlando Magic 94

By Philip Rossman-Reich

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets goes after a loose ball against Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets goes after a loose ball against Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic could not get out of its own way as fouls and turnovers prevented them from extending their win streak, falling to the Charlotte Hornets.

The Orlando Magic were frustrated clearly by constant fouling and the yo-yo play of Kemba Walker, constantly putting pressure on their weak interior defense. A close game turned into a double-digit deficit thanks to a run late in the second quarter from the Magic’s longtime tormentor.

Orlando kept fighting. The Magic got some great plays form their depleted second unit and made it a game.  This was a game they could grind out if they could just get it to the finish line. On the road, all they wanted was a chance at the end. That is all anyone can ask for.

Orlando was always chasing that chance. The Magic were never able to get over that hump. And down by one, their chances to come all the way back slipped away. Frustration over a foul disparity and the poor defense that caused it eventually gave way.

Marreese Speights picked up a frustration flagrant foul, shoving Cody Zeller after a dunk. That changed the momentum of the game as the Hornets stretched their lead back out to double digits. Orlando missed opportunities — Elfrid Payton missed a layup down four points that the Hornets took back the other way for a 3-pointer.

The Charlotte Hornets kept a constant attack, getting to the foul line for 40 free throws, including 14 from Walker in a 104-94 win at Spectrum Center on Monday. Walker kept the pressure on the Magic’s defense all night long, driving deep into the paint and keeping the Magic off balanced. Walker is fantastic at drawing contact and the Magic kept bumping him and putting the officials in a spot to call fouls.

Orlando did not help itself on the other end either. The Magic shot just 43.9 percent from the floor and turned the ball over 20 times. Those two statistics had as much to do with the loss as the fouling and trips to the free throw line.

The Magic had their chances to win the game and let it slip through their fingers. They did not make the plays they needed to keep it close and give themselves a chance in the end.

B. <a href=. SG. Orlando Magic. JONATHON SIMMONS

<a href=. F/C. Orlando Magic. MARREESE SPEIGHTS. C-

EVAN FOURNIER. B. <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic

G/F. Orlando Magic. WESLEY IWUNDU. B. <a href=

B+. The Charlotte Hornets needed a win bad, losing all four games with Kemba Walker out of the lineup. They were pressing a bit as Walker figured out what he could do. By the end of the second quarter, Walker was cooking. And Walker was cooking the Magic as he always does.<p>Walker finished with 29 points on 7-for-16 shooting, making all 14 of his free throws to boot. Walker was certainly a bit rusty with his shooting. He did not hit 3-pointers particularly well. But Walker recognized that and went on the attack. He went right at <a href=. 9-13. 11th East. CHARLOTTE HORNETS

The Orlando Magic return home from their two-game road trip to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday at the Amway Center.