UPDATE: The Orlando Magic suffered a disappointing 120-105 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on December 15, 2023, at the Kia Center. The defeat highlights a concerning lack of energy and execution from the Magic, who struggled to keep pace with their Southeast Division rivals.
Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley had warned his team that the Hornets’ 10-20 record did not reflect their true capabilities, but his players fell short, trailing by as many as 24 points in the third quarter. The Hornets dominated the boards, pulling down 53 rebounds compared to Orlando’s 42, and capitalizing on 25 second-chance points.
Star guard LaMelo Ball led Charlotte’s balanced attack with 22 points, as seven different Hornets scored in double figures. In stark contrast, the Magic’s shooting woes continued, finishing the game shooting just 31.4% from beyond the arc, compared to Charlotte’s impressive 48.7%.
The Magic, now 17-14, face a quick turnaround as they prepare to host the Denver Nuggets on December 16, 2023, after losing to them earlier this month. This back-to-back matchup against superstar Nikola Jokic presents another challenge for Orlando.
In the starting lineup, Orlando was without key players Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, which forced Tyus Jones and Anthony Black to step up alongside Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, and Wendell Carter Jr.. Black managed to score 24 points, but Bane and Banchero struggled, combining for 0 for 8 from three-point range before the break.
In a brief positive note, the Magic community outreach team made a heartfelt gesture at halftime, surprising a local family with a new Kia Sorento EX, along with $5,000 for home essentials and various gifts as part of the NBA Cares Season of Giving. This marks the 17th consecutive season the Magic have hosted a family for “The Big Give,” showcasing their commitment to community support amid challenging times.
As the Magic look to regroup and bounce back against the Nuggets, fans are eager to see how the team will address their recent struggles. Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
