Hornets Defeat Magic, 121-81

The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic, 121-81, at Spectrum Center on
Friday. The Hornets were expected to win this game and they left no doubt with
this dominating victory. Not only did Charlotte win all four quarters in their
wire-to-wire win, they held a 20-point lead for the final 23 minutes. Shooting
was key, with the Hornets shooting 60 percent from the field and 48 percent from
three-point range. The Magic could only muster up 41 percent shooting from the
field and 19 percent from three-point range. The rebounding was a huge factor as
well, with Charlotte winning that battle, 43-31. The Hornets also recorded 34
assists, while the Magic only dished out 19. The Magic (24-42) are now just 1-3
across their last four games, with this loss being one of the worst of the
season. Aaron Gordon led Orlando, as he tallied 20 points and five rebounds.
Evan Fournier was the only other starter in double figures, as he accrued 14
points and two assists. Elfrid Payton scored just eight points, but handed out
12 of the teams 19 assists. Mario Hezonja led the bench with 11 points. Orlando
will be in action again on Saturday in a home matchup against the Cleveland
Cavaliers. The Hornets (29-36) have now won three of their last four games, as
they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. Kemba Walker scored a game-high 23
points, as he did that damage on 9-of-13 shooting. Nicolas Batum ran the
offense, collecting 15 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Marvin Williams
had one of his best games of the season, accumulating 12 points, 18 rebounds and
seven assists. Four players came off the bench to score at least 10 points, as
Marco Belinelli led them with 18 points. On deck for Charlotte is a home matchup
against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.