Losers of ten straight, the Magic entered their road showdown with the Hornets searching for a little of the luck necessary to finally get back in the victor’s column. The return of Jalen Suggs combined with team-wide intensity and effort ultimately provided just that, the Wagner brothers delivering an awesome duet that delivered a much-needed 116-109 win.
It was a fast start for the Magic, with Gary Harris and Chuma Okeke knocking in back-to-back threes to open up a quick 6-0 lead. The team continued to apply pressure to the Hornets with crisp passing, drive-and-kick sequences finding open shooters on the wings and in the corner, and advantageous cuts and lane-running being rewarded with timely dimes.