Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets Match Player Stats and Game Analysis (March 5, 2024)

Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets Match Player Stats

The Orlando Magic faced off against the Charlotte Hornets on March 5, 2024, in what turned out to be an intense showdown at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Magic, coming off an impressive run in their last few games, continued their dominance with a solid 101-89 victory over the struggling Hornets. This win marked a significant milestone for Orlando, as they reached ten games above .500 for the first time since April 18, 2012. On the other hand, the Hornets, dealing with injuries and inconsistency, suffered another setback, dropping to a 15-47 record for the season.

The game showcased some stellar individual performances, particularly from Orlando’s Paolo Banchero and Cole Anthony, who played crucial roles in securing the win. The Magic’s defense remained strong throughout the game, limiting the Hornets to just 89 points, while their offense fired efficiently, with timely three-pointers and fast-break conversions sealing the game in the final quarter.

Game Overview

Team Performance and Key Stats

The Orlando Magic had an overall efficient night, shooting at a high percentage from the field and capitalizing on their superior rebounding to control possession. They recorded a 54.1% field goal percentage, hitting 40 of their 74 shots, including 13 successful three-pointers out of 35 attempts, translating to a 37.1% success rate from deep. However, they struggled at the free-throw line, making just 8 out of 15 attempts (53.3%). Despite their 17 turnovers, they made up for it with 23 assists and a dominant 41 rebounds, which gave them multiple second-chance opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets struggled to match Orlando’s offensive efficiency, shooting 43.1% from the field (31-of-72) and 36.4% from beyond the arc (12-of-33). Unlike Orlando, they had a perfect free-throw night, making all 15 of their attempts (100%), but their 31 total rebounds put them at a significant disadvantage in the rebounding battle. Their 18 assists were not enough to generate fluid offensive possessions, and their 17 turnovers further hindered their efforts to mount a comeback.

Key Moments of the Game

The game started off competitively, with the Magic leading the first quarter 25-20. However, the Hornets responded in the second quarter, outscoring Orlando 23-20, which kept the game close at halftime. The Magic came out strong in the third quarter, led by Paolo Banchero and Cole Anthony, who combined for multiple crucial baskets. Anthony’s offensive burst towards the end of the quarter, including a driving layup and a three-pointer, helped the Magic pull away with a nine-point lead heading into the fourth.

Orlando completely took control in the final quarter, outscoring the Hornets 26-23, and at one point, extending their lead to 92-76 with seven minutes remaining. Cole Anthony’s seven consecutive points in the early fourth quarter turned the game in Orlando’s favor, and the Hornets never recovered. Strong defensive plays, combined with efficient perimeter shooting and excellent rebounding, ensured that the Magic comfortably closed out the game with a 12-point margin.

Orlando Magic Player Statistics

Starters

Paolo Banchero had an outstanding game, leading Orlando in scoring with 22 points on 9-of-19 shooting (47.4%), including 2-of-5 from three-point range (40%). He also contributed 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 turnovers in 33 minutes of play. Banchero was the focal point of Orlando’s offense, constantly attacking the rim and knocking down timely jumpers. Despite his five turnovers, his ability to create scoring opportunities was crucial in Orlando’s victory.

Franz Wagner had a quieter night, scoring 8 points on 4-of-11 shooting (36.4%) while struggling from three-point range (0-of-5). He contributed 3 rebounds and 2 assists, but his 4 turnovers limited his overall impact. Although Wagner had an off-shooting night, his defensive presence helped slow down Charlotte’s perimeter players.

Wendell Carter Jr. played an efficient role, finishing with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting (71.4%), including 2-of-4 from three-point range (50%). He was a force on the boards, grabbing 9 rebounds, just one short of a double-double. Carter Jr.’s inside presence helped Orlando dominate the paint, and his ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting made him a valuable asset.

Gary Harris was highly efficient, scoring 9 points on 3-of-4 shooting (75%), including 2-of-2 from three-point range. His ability to hit open shots kept Charlotte’s defense honest, and he provided solid perimeter defense.

Jalen Suggs contributed 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 20 minutes but struggled offensively, making just 2-of-4 shots and missing both of his three-point attempts. Although he wasn’t a major offensive contributor, his defense was crucial in keeping Charlotte’s guards in check.

Bench Contributions

Cole Anthony played a huge role in securing the win, delivering 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 22 minutes off the bench. He shot 5-of-11 from the field (45.5%) but struggled from deep (2-of-8, 25%). However, his impact was felt most in the second half, where he scored 12 of his 14 points, providing a major offensive boost when Orlando needed it.

Anthony Black was another key bench contributor, scoring 10 points on an efficient 3-of-5 shooting (60%), including an impressive 3-of-4 from three-point range (75%). He also added 5 rebounds, providing Orlando with extra possessions. His ability to knock down three-pointers at a high percentage made him a valuable weapon.

Moritz Wagner had a strong game, putting up 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting (62.5%), along with 4 rebounds in 18 minutes of action. His energy off the bench helped Orlando maintain its lead, and his ability to finish at the rim provided an inside scoring option.

Final Thoughts on the Match

The Orlando Magic’s well-rounded performance led to their 36th win of the season, solidifying their position as a serious playoff contender. Their balanced offensive attack, combined with dominant rebounding and stifling defense, proved too much for the Charlotte Hornets. The Magic’s ability to score efficiently from the field and limit Charlotte’s offensive rhythm ultimately secured them the victory.

For the Charlotte Hornets, this game was another example of their struggles this season. With key players missing and inconsistent shooting, they were unable to keep up with Orlando’s firepower. The Magic’s dominance in the paint, second-chance points, and three-point efficiency created too many problems for Charlotte to overcome.

Looking ahead, the Orlando Magic will aim to continue their strong form and push further up the Eastern Conference standings, while the Hornets will need to regroup and find solutions to end their current losing streak. As the season progresses, Orlando’s ability to maintain this level of play and efficiency will determine their playoff seeding, and with players like Paolo Banchero and Cole Anthony stepping up, they have a strong foundation to build upon.

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