Opinion
4 min read

Hornets Hope to Cast a Spell on Magic in Orlando Showdown

As the Charlotte Hornets prepare to face the Orlando Magic at Kia Center, fans are cautiously optimistic about their team's chances. The Hornets have had a challenging season, but there's always room for an upset, especially when you consider the dynamics of their previous encounters.


CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 5: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 5, 2024 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last game on March 6th against the Magic, the Hornets fell short with an 89-101 loss. Despite this setback, there were glimmers of hope. The Hornets managed to keep up with the Magic during most quarters and even outscored them in free throw accuracy with a perfect 100 percent compared to the Magic's 53 percent. However, turnovers proved costly for Charlotte as they gave up possession 19 times leading to 23 points off turnovers for Orlando.


The Hornets' bench contributed significantly less than that of the Magic—23 points versus Orlando’s impressive 46 bench points—which was one of many factors that led to their downfall. Additionally, while both teams shot well from two-point range (CHA: 54 percent; ORL: 69 percent), it was clear that Charlotte struggled beyond the arc and in fast break situations where they scored zero compared to Orlando’s eight fast break points.


CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 5: Grant Williams #2 of the Charlotte Hornets and Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic look on during the game on March 5, 2024 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking at another recent performance against Toronto Raptors on March 3rd shows a similar pattern; despite scoring more than their average with 106 points and maintaining decent shooting percentages across all areas (47 percent FGs and a solid three-point percentage at 30), it wasn't enough as they lost by five points.


However, not all is grim for CHA fans. In an earlier game against Philadelphia on March 2nd, we saw what this team is capable of when things click into place. They put up an impressive offensive display scoring 114 points with high efficiency from both field goals (51 percent) and three-pointers (42 percent). Their assist-to-turnover ratio was exceptional at nearly five assists per turnover showing what can happen when they take care of the ball.


CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 5: Davis Bertans #9 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 5, 2024 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  Mandatory Copyright Notice:  Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

The upcoming game presents another opportunity for redemption. To succeed against ORL this time around, CHA will need to tighten up defensively—especially in paint where they allowed ORL to score freely—and be more aggressive offensively by capitalizing on second-chance opportunities which were previously left wanting.


Fans should look forward to seeing if CHA can leverage its strengths while addressing weaknesses exposed in past games as they head into enemy territory on March 19th at Kia Center in Orlando. It will be crucial for them not only maintain discipline but also exhibit that same offensive firepower seen against PHI if they wish turn tables around this time.


For those who bleed teal and purple back home or anywhere else across globe – mark your calendars! Tip-off is scheduled for Monday night at Kia Center starting at sharp seven o'clock PM Eastern Time Zone (ET). You won’t want miss any action which can be caught live either through BSFL or BSSE networks depending upon your location.

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