The Orlando Magic dominated the Charlotte Hornets with a 121-90 victory in a play-in tournament elimination game, securing the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 25 points, while Franz Wagner contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. The Magic established a commanding 35-point lead in the first half, the largest in the play-in tournament’s history, and maintained control throughout the game. Despite LaMelo Ball’s 23 points for the Hornets, the team struggled, shooting only 34% and being outrebounded 49-34. The Magic will face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in a best-of-seven series starting Sunday. The Hornets, who have not made the playoffs in ten seasons, continue to hold the longest active playoff drought in the NBA.
QUESTION: How might the Magic’s strong performance in this game influence their confidence and strategy against the top-seeded Pistons in the upcoming playoff series?
Magic rout Hornets 121-90 in play-in game, advance to face Pistons in 1st round of playoffs
