The Orlando Magic made sure their season stayed alive. On Friday (Saturday, Manila time), the Magic thrashed the Charlotte Hornets, 121-90, to clinch the final NBA Eastern Conference playoff spot in front of a raucous sellout crowd at Kia Center.
Banchero Bulldozes Hornets
Paolo Banchero set the tone early, scoring 12 in the first quarter and finishing with 25 points to lead Orlando. Orlando never trailed by more than a single point, quickly stretching their advantage to a massive 35-point cushion before halftime.
Orlando’s physicality and toughness overwhelmed Charlotte from the opening tip, with the Magic outmuscling the youthful Hornets in the win-or-go-home clash.
LaMelo Ball’s Lone Fight
LaMelo Ball, the hero of Charlotte’s play-in win over Miami, tried to keep the Hornets afloat. He erupted for 21 points in the third quarter alone, attempting to single-handedly extend their season. But Orlando’s lead never dipped below 20, and Ball’s effort proved futile against the Magic’s relentless attack.
Magic Back in the Playoffs
The victory secured Orlando’s third straight postseason appearance and set up a daunting first-round matchup against the East’s top seed, the Detroit Pistons.
For Charlotte, the loss extended their decade-long playoff drought, a bitter end to what had been a promising regular season.
The NBA playoffs begin Saturday (Sunday in Manila), with the full bracket in the East now finalized.
