The Orlando Magic (1-4) battled toe-for-toe against the Charlotte Hornets (4-1) Wednesday night. The fourth quarter though proved to be the difference. The Magic turned the ball over eight times for nine points as the Hornets pulled away to close out a 120-111 victory.
The Orlando Magic struggled in the fourth quarter, giving away a chance for their first home victory in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets capitalized with key buckets from veteran Gordon Hayward, who finished the game 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting from the field. Second-year forward, Jalen McDaniels made two big 3-pointers and shot four for five from deep on the night.
He led a bench group that scored 40 points to the Magic 30 points. Eighteen of those came from Terrence Ross as the second unit again struggled for the Magic.
Charlotte, in the end, outworked Orlando. The Hornets grabbed three of their 10 offensive rebounds and scored five of their 12 second-chance points in that tell-tale fourth quarter. Each one seemed to be a bigger heartbreak for the team.
Those turnovers and missed opportunities were the central theme for the Magic in the final quarter of basketball.
"“Down the stretch, we had a couple of empty positions,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. They came down and capitalized on the transition break or they got time to step up their half-court offense, as well as some offensive rebounds.”"
The Magic were not without positive signs. They bottled up rising star LaMelo Ball for most of the night. And Orlando shot 49.4-percent from the floor, marking the team’s best offensive game of the season by far. Orlando scored at least 30 points in every quarter but the team’s difficult fourth. The Magic hit 15 of 39 3-pointers to keep pace with a high-powered Hornets offense.
But Miles Bridges capitalized on some open looks, knocked down 5 of 10 three-pointers and scored 31 points.
Charlotte’s efficiency offensively propelled them to victory despite the Magic’s efforts.
Grades
Cole Anthony – B+
Cole Anthony led the Orlando Magic in scoring with 24 points, five rebounds and six assists. He made some key baskets for the Magic to keep them afloat.
Anthony was in control for much of the game and showed impressive pace and poise. The Magic were +10 with him on the floor and it semeed as though the offense struggled to function without him.
"“Cole’s decision-making has been good,” coach Jamahl Mosley said after Wednesday’s game. “He’s trying to make all the right plays.”"
Anthony is doing a better job this season managing the offense and setting up his teammates.
There were times in the game, Anthony passed up his shot to find his teammates for a better look. But he admits he still is a score-first point guard.
"“The way I always look at it is be aggressive and score,” Anthony said after Wednesday’s game. “I’m looking to score first and still make the right play.”"
Still, that aggressiveness is turning into a newfound leadership and poise that is helping the Magic function on offense.
Wendell Carter – B+
Wendell Carter had a highly efficient game of 20 points and 10 rebounds. He made 8 of 15 field-goal attempts.
Carter has been getting the ball often on the perimeter this season, but his teammates were able to find him in better positions in the post against the Charlotte Hornets. He was the recipient of the team’s solid passing throughout the night.
"“When you play the right way, the ball is going to find who’s open,” Cole Anthony said after Wednesday’s game. “He was a lot of times in the right spots. He was setting some really good screens that allowed him to get open.”"
Carter would still point to several mistakes he made. He said he felt he did not sustain his energy well throughout the game and put the blame on himself for some of the offensive rebounds the team conceded, especially to Mason Plumlee down the stretch.
Franz Wagner – B+
Franz Wagner got off to another hot start against the Charlotte Hornets as his impressive start to his rookie campaign continues. The rookie led the team in scoring in the first half with 13 points.
"“Franz has gotten better as each game has gone on,” Jamahl Mosley said after Wednesday’s game. “The way he recognizes certain situations, his playmaking ability, his decision making, he’s going to continue to get better.”"
Wagner was able knock down his open jumpers, shooting 5 of 7 from the field and 3 of 4 from three. He attacked the paint when needed, and even posted up his man when he was in good position to score.
Defensively, he was active getting his hands on the ball despite only recording one steal. He cooled off in the second half and did not attempt a shot until the tail end of the game. And he finished with 15 points, one rebound, one assist and one steal.
Jalen Suggs – C+
It was not Jalen Suggs’ night Wednesday. He had some careless turnovers and uncharacteristically struggled offensively to close out the game.
Suggs was 0 for 4 from three, 3 for 10 from the field with four turnovers. He committed two critical miscues in the fourth quarter and often rushed his shots. At a critical time of the game and with the ball in his hands, those cost the team a shot at victory.
He is clearly taking his lumps early in his career.
"“It’s his first year in the league,” Cole Anthony said. “He’s dealing with stuff that I was dealing with last year, and even still a little to this point right now.”"
The young Magic are going through growing pains, but have the potential to grow and eventually put it all together.
"“It’s a men’s league,” Anthony said. “The league ain’t going to wait for us.”"
This was another lesson for the young Magic team in a spot with a chance to win.