BREAKING: The Orlando Magic faced a disappointing loss against the visiting Charlotte Hornets, falling 120-105 at the Kia Center on December 15, 2023. Despite coach Jamahl Mosley warning about the Hornets’ potential, the Magic struggled to find their rhythm, trailing by as much as 24 points in the third quarter.
The Hornets, now 11-20, showcased their offensive prowess with seven players scoring in double figures, including 22 points from star guard LaMelo Ball. In stark contrast, the Magic shot only 31.4% from beyond the arc, hampered by their inability to secure defensive rebounds, finishing the game with only 42 boards compared to Charlotte’s 53.
The Magic (now 17-14) will be back on the court tomorrow night, December 16, to face the Denver Nuggets and their three-time MVP Nikola Jokic in a crucial back-to-back matchup. Orlando hopes to rebound after this tough defeat.
The game kicked off with the Magic missing key players Franz Wagner (high ankle sprain) and Jalen Suggs (hip bruise). Tyus Jones and Anthony Black took on significant roles, but Black’s impressive 24 points couldn’t compensate for the team’s overall lack of energy. Although Black hit four three-pointers in 36 minutes, the rest of the team struggled from distance.
Orlando’s struggles were evident as Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero combined for a dismal 0-for-8 from three-point range. Bane ended the game with 15 points but was hindered by foul trouble, while Banchero managed only 13 points on 4-for-13 shooting.
The Magic’s bench was outscored 41-29 by Charlotte, with only Tristan da Silva making a notable impact after returning from injury, contributing 8 points in the first half. Rookie players Jase Richardson and Noah Penda had limited offensive contributions, with Richardson ultimately scoring 14 points in 22 minutes.
In a heartwarming moment during halftime, the Magic surprised a local family with a series of gifts as part of their NBA Cares Season of Giving initiative. This included a new 2026 Kia Sorento EX, $5,000 for home furnishings, and various other essentials, marking the 17th consecutive year of this charitable act.
As the Magic look to regroup for their next game, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if they can harness the energy needed to compete against a formidable Nuggets team. Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
