Franz Wagner scored 21 points, and Jonathan Isaac made three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help the Orlando Magic overcome three tough quarters and defeat the Charlotte Hornets 95-84 on Monday night.
Thanks to their strong perimeter shooting, Orlando turned a 62-58 deficit into an 88-77 lead in the final quarter, spoiling a great performance from Hornets guard LaMelo Ball.
Magic bench players Moritz Wagner (16 points), Cole Anthony (16), Isaac (11), and Anthony Black (10) stepped up when needed, helping the team win for the ninth time in their last 10 games.
Ball finished with 44 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while Brandon Miller added 20 points and 10 rebounds. Ball made 17 of 30 shots, including four 3-pointers on 11 attempts.
The Hornets, who began a five-game homestand, had won their previous four home games. However, despite their strong effort, Charlotte has now lost four of its last five games. The Hornets committed 27 turnovers in the game.
Orlando’s Gary Harris, a starting guard, had to leave the game after seven minutes due to a strained left hamstring, and Black stepped in to help fill the gap.
Anthony got Orlando going in the fourth quarter, scoring the team’s first five points. Then Isaac played a key role in helping the Magic take control.
In the end, Orlando outscored Charlotte 37-22 in the fourth, but they still only shot 39.4% from the field for the game. Charlotte shot 41.3% overall.
With 6:57 left in the third quarter, Ball made two free throws to reach 25 points and give the Hornets a 54-49 lead.
The Magic stayed close, trailing by just four points, 62-58, heading into the final quarter.
Ball made a late 3-pointer to give the Hornets a 46-42 lead at halftime. He had 19 points by then, while Miller added 11. No Orlando starter had more than six points in the first half.
