Regular Season Game #11 - NBA Cup Group Play Match #1 - Charlotte Hornets (4-6) at Orlando Magic (5-6) - November 12th, 2024

LaMelo's 35 can't counter a horrible no-good night from Brandon Miller and an intense Magic defensive performance

FINAL

Charlotte Hornets 89 (4-7) - Orlando Magic 114 (6-6)

THE BOXSCORE 

WHY DID THEY LOSE (AND OTHER IMPORTANT STORIES)

• Stifled by Orlando’s Defense: The Magic defense effectively shut down Charlotte’s offense, which heavily relies on 3-point shooting to offset their issues at the rim and lack of size. The Hornets took just 38 3-point attempts, far below their usual volume, with Orlando doubling Brandon Miller, leading to one of his worst performances as a pro (8 points on 16.7% shooting, 1 of 11 from three, 5 turnovers).

• LaMelo’s Strong Start, Early Finish: LaMelo Ball opened with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting in the first quarter and played extended minutes in the first three quarters. Despite his contributions, Coach Lee benched him at the start of the fourth with the Hornets down 20, only bringing him back late in the game when a comeback was out of reach. He finished with a team high 35 points on 48% from the field and 6 made 3s. His pull-up 3 point shooting remains insane and the best the Hornets have to offer offensively. When LaMelo’s off the floor the offense rarely looks functional. The Hornets were outscored 28-15 when he was off the floor and the Hornets sported an ORTG of 57.7

• Franz Wagner’s Scoring Clinic: Franz Wagner led the Magic with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists on 56% shooting. He found favorable matchups against Brandon Miller and Cody Martin, frequently exploiting the Hornets’ defense with ISO plays.

• Offensive Struggles for Key Players: Josh Green contributed nothing offensively, recording another scoreless game, which placed more pressure on LaMelo and Miller, especially with key scorers Miles Bridges and Tre Mann sidelined. Green’s defensive efforts weren’t enough to compensate.

• Micic Steps In: With Mann out due to a lingering back injury, Vasilije Micic saw minutes after several DNPs. He had some positive defensive possessions but he still looks a step slow on offense. The Magic bench outscored the Hornets 45-27.

• Diabate Shines Defensively: Moussa Diabate showcased impressive defensive play, grabbing rebounds and recording blocks, although he occasionally overcommitted on defense.

• Lineup Adjustments: Tidjane Salaun was swapped out of the starting lineup in favor of Grant Williams, reflecting Lee’s attempt to bring a stabilizing veteran presence. Salaun is giving max effort but he is taking wild shots, running into LaMelo on dribble handoffs, not able to get his body in position to guard and turning it over whenever he puts the ball on the floor. He’s in an unfair situation. He should be hooping with the Swarm but here we are.

NEWS AND NOTES