UPDATE: In a disappointing showing, the Orlando Magic suffered a 120-105 defeat against the Charlotte Hornets at the Kia Center on December 22, 2023. Coach Jamahl Mosley had warned that the Hornets’ 10-20 record didn’t reflect their true potential, and his team failed to rise to the occasion.
The Magic trailed by as many as 15 points in the first half and fell further behind by 24 points in the third quarter. Charlotte dominated the boards, outrebounding Orlando 53-42 and capitalizing on 25 second-chance points. Star player LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 22 points, contributing to the team’s impressive 48.7% shooting from beyond the arc.
Orlando’s struggle from three-point range was evident as they only managed 31.4% shooting, missing critical opportunities to close the gap. The Magic’s offensive woes continued as they faced a lack of defensive stops, which made any potential comeback nearly impossible.
The Magic, now at 17-14, must regroup quickly as they face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday for the second game of a back-to-back series. The Nuggets previously defeated Orlando by 11 points on December 18, raising the stakes for this matchup.
In terms of personnel, the Magic were once again without key players Franz Wagner (high ankle sprain) and Jalen Suggs (hip bruise). In their absence, the starting lineup featured Tyus Jones and Anthony Black alongside Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, and Wendell Carter Jr. Carter managed 16 points despite the team’s overall lack of intensity.
Black had a bright spot, scoring 24 points and hitting several three-pointers. However, Bane and Banchero struggled, combining for 0 for 8 from three-point range before halftime, with Bane finishing with just 15 points and Banchero managing only 13 points.
In a rare moment of positivity, the Magic engaged in a heartwarming initiative during halftime, surprising a local family with gifts as part of the NBA Cares Season of Giving. The family received a new 2026 Kia Sorento EX, $5,000 for home furnishings, and various other essentials, marking the 17th consecutive season the Magic have participated in “The Big Give.”
As the Magic prepare for their upcoming challenge against the Nuggets, fans hope for a renewed focus and energy that were sorely lacking in Friday’s loss. The urgency to turn the tide is clear as the season progresses, and Orlando must find a way to regain momentum in their next game.
