Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
Orlando MagicOpen full analysis
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 124–97 on January 22 at Kia Center, a decisive 27-point victory that fell well short of the Vegas total of 224.5 points. Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 20 points, while Collin Sexton added 19 points as the Hornets' balanced attack overwhelmed Orlando's defense. Charlotte shot 54.4 percent from the field and made 17 three-pointers, controlling the glass with 47 rebounds to Orlando's 31. Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 23 points and Desmond Bane contributed 21, but Orlando's 41.8 percent shooting and defensive rating of 131.9 proved insufficient. The Hornets' defensive rating of 102.5 highlighted their two-way dominance, particularly in the first and third quarters when they scored 35 points in each frame. Orlando's fourth-quarter push—30 points—came too late to threaten the outcome. Charlotte's offensive efficiency and three-point volume established early separation that Orlando never threatened to overcome. The victory signals the Hornets' capacity to execute efficiently on the road, while Orlando's defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern heading into the stretch run.
