Courtesy photo of the Orlando Magic / Paolo Banchero fights for a rebound against two Charlotte defenders in leading the Magic to a 111-104 win on the road in Charlotte on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Banchero led the offensive scoring attack with 32 points, and Franz Wagner chipped in 26 points for the Orlando squad.
By SERA KING / Headline Surfer
CHARLOTTE -- The Magic defeated the Hornets, 111-104, Tuesday night with a team-high 32 points from Paolo Banchero.
Banchero also fueled the Magic's win with 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 three-pointers. Franz Wagner of the Magic contributed 26 points (8-22 FG, 1-6 3P), 8 rebounds, and 4 assists.
LaMelo Ball finished with a team-high 25 points and 9 assists for the Hornets in the losing effort.
The Magic ended the game on a 7-0 run. After Smith tied it at 104-all with 2:18 to play, Black’s dunk with 1:58 remaining broke the tie and put the Magic ahead for good. Wagner then hit 5 of 6 free throws down the stretch. He was 9 for 10 from the line overall. The Magic committed just eight turnovers and shot 31% from 3-point range.
The Magic ended the game on a 7-0 run. After Smith tied it at 104-all with 2:18 to play, Black’s dunk with 1:58 remaining broke the tie and put the Magic ahead for good. Wagner then hit 5 of 6 free throws down the stretch. He was 9 for 10 from the line overall. The Magic committed just eight turnovers and shot 31% from 3-point range.
With the win, the Magic improved their record to 35-38, while the Hornets fell to 18-54 for the season.
The Magic head home to take on the Mavericks on Thursday (7:00 PM ET, NBA TV).
