Orlando Magic Open NBA In-Season Tournament with Victory over Charlotte Hornets

Orlando, FL—The Magic tipped off the 2024 NBA In-Season Tournament this evening with a Magic vs Hornets game, resulting in an exhilarating 114-89 victory over Charlotte.

Playoff Atmosphere in Orlando for Tournament Opener

This is the second consecutive year the NBA has adopted the In-Season Tournament at the beginning of the regular season, and the Kia Center’s energy was nothing short of a playoff atmosphere.

“It just adds that extra incentive to the guys,” said Jamahl Mosley pregame. “There’s a little bit more fight, the change of scenery I think does it for these guys a little bit too just knowing there’s more on to it. The extra competition, there’s a little more competitive nature to the games. I think it’s great for the league, it’s great for these guys to add more as the beginning of the season starts.”

Key Players Out for Both Teams

For Orlando, Paolo Banchero (right oblique) and Wendell Carter Jr. (plantar fascia strain) remained out. Charlotte’s Cody Martin (illness) was upgraded to available, while Tre Mann (back) was listed as out.

Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley shared an update on Carter Jr.’s injury: “I’m definitely not medical. So I won’t even try to go into that realm of what could happen or could not happen. We’re gonna keep responding to the treatment he gets and go from there.”

Franz Wagner Leads Magic with Stellar Performance

Fourth-year forward Franz Wagner has been on an absolute tear in the absence of Paolo Banchero, recording his fifth consecutive game of 20+ points. Wagner logged 32 minutes, achieving a season-high 32 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, with an efficient 14 of 25 from the floor during this Hornets vs Magic contest.

“His ability to kinda do a lot of different things, like he’s not just one dimensional,” commented Hornets Head Coach Charles Lee on Wagner. “We see him playing pick-and-roll as a ball handler, we see him as a pick-and-roll screener. I think off the ball he can catch and shoot, off the ball he’s also great at slashing and having that feel in the paint. Good players, great players recognize that when their running mate is down I’ve got to take on a bigger load.”

Jalen Suggs Ignites First Quarter for Magic

Jalen Suggs made an equally impressive impact, scoring 13 of his 17 points in the first quarter, going a flawless 5 of 5 from the floor and 3 of 3 from deep. Despite early foul trouble, Suggs maintained aggression on defense, adding a steal and block in the first half.

“He’s hooping, I told him keep carving ’em up,” Suggs said of Wagner’s recent performances. “He’s playing amazing right now, I’m proud of him, and that’s my brother for real. We started this journey here together and have grown up together the last four years.”

LaMelo Ball’s Offensive Outburst Contained by Magic Defense

Orlando’s defense had its hands full with LaMelo Ball, who scored 23 of his 35 points in the first half alone, shooting 8 of 13 from the field and 4 of 6 from deep. The Magic headed into the halftime locker room leading 58-47, weathering Ball’s offensive surge throughout this intense Magic vs Hornets game.

Magic Take Command in the Third Quarter

The Magic extended their lead in the third quarter, led by back-to-back baskets from Wagner. Orlando held Charlotte to 36.4% shooting and forced five turnovers, outscoring them 31-19 in the period. Orlando’s continued defensive intensity sealed their first win of the In-Season Tournament.

A Strong Bounce-Back for the Magic at Home

After a challenging five-game road losing streak, the Magic have now won three straight home games, bringing them back to .500. Coach Mosley has been encouraged by the team’s resilience: “This is why we keep talking about processes. During the losing streak, we were getting the right shots, we were getting to the paint, we were doing the things we needed to do—You can’t keep chasing and worrying about the result as much as you worry about the work you’re doing.”

Franz Wagner’s Consistency Shines in Banchero’s Absence

Over the last five games, Wagner is averaging 26.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, shooting 48.5% from the field. Speaking on his adjustments with Banchero sidelined, Wagner stated: “I think I had a little adjustment period. I think it’s a little bit of a mentality shift for me as well—I say this all the time it’s super cool to get those opportunities and I just want to make the most of them.”

Dominant Defense Powers Magic’s Home Streak

Orlando’s defense continues to be one of the league’s most formidable, now boasting 12 consecutive home wins, including the playoffs. The Magic held the Hornets to 40% shooting from the field, 33.3% from three, and recorded 12 steals and seven blocks.

The Magic improve to 6-6 on the season and will have a quick turnaround as they host the Indiana Pacers tomorrow evening at the Kia Center.