Red-hot Magic turn back Hornets for 7th straight win

Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony scored 30 points apiece as the Orlando Magic extended their winning streak to seven games, beating the visiting Charlotte Hornets 130-117 on Sunday, November 26 (Monday, November 27, Manila time).

Paolo Banchero had 23 points, Jalen Suggs scored 12, and Goga Bitadze contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds for Orlando, which has won seven consecutive games for the first time since the 2010-11 season.

Moritz Wagner added 11 points and 7 rebounds in the win.

Miles Bridges paced Charlotte with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Terry Rozier collected 22 points and 9 assists, Brandon Miller had 20 points, P.J. Washington 13, and Mark Williams added 12.

Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball had 7 points before exiting midway through the second quarter with a right ankle strain. Ball had to be helped to the locker room after colliding with Banchero near the basket.

Following consecutive comeback wins over the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards, the Hornets never led in the second half against Orlando.

Franz Wagner and Anthony recorded season-high point totals for Orlando, which shot 54% from the field and 37% (10 of 27) from three-point range.

The Magic recorded a season-high 33 assists and improved to 9-1 when scoring at least 110 points this season.

Orlando took a six-point lead into the fourth quarter and moved ahead 120-104 after Franz Wagner drilled a three-pointer with 4:22 remaining. Banchero sealed the victory with a three-pointer to put the Magic ahead by 14 with 1:11 left.

Charlotte ended the first quarter with a 33-25 lead after closing on a 7-2 run. Gordon Hayward scored 7 points for the Hornets, who shot 15 of 22 (68.2%) in the opening period.

Orlando’s Gary Harris hit a three-pointer early in the second quarter to tie the game at 39-39 and the Magic took a 61-57 lead into the break. Franz Wagner scored 12 points in the half to lead the Magic. Terry Rozier scored 13 for the Hornets. – Rappler.com