Batum’s near triple-double leads Hornets past Magic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Nic Batum and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist each had 16 points, and the Charlotte Hornets routed the Orlando Magic 109-88 on Friday night for their third straight victory.

Kemba Walker had 15 points in limited action, and Ramon Sessions and Jeremy Lamb each scored 12 off the bench as the Southeast Division-leading Hornets (14-9) shot 48 percent from the field.

Batum missed out on a chance at a triple-double because Charlotte’s starters didn’t play in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand. He finished with nine rebounds and seven assists.

Evan Fournier had 14 points for the Magic (10-14), who have lost two straight following a three-game winning streak.

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