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Can the Charlotte Hornets' LaMelo Ball's Stellar Performance Ignite a Turnaround?

In a recent face-off at the Kia Center in Orlando, the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic showcased their skills in what turned out to be a challenging game for the visiting team. The Hornets, holding a record of 4-7 before this game, were unable to secure a win against the Magic, who improved their season record to 6-6 with a final score of 114-89.


ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Cody Martin #11 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball during the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Orlando Magic on November 12, 2024 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

A Closer Look at Team Performances


The Hornets struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game, leading for only 3 minutes and 31 seconds with their biggest lead capped at just 5 points. Despite putting up a fight in the first quarter with 29 points, their performance dipped in subsequent quarters. The team's shooting accuracy was below par; they managed only a 40 percent field goal percentage and were particularly challenged from beyond the arc and at the free throw line, converting just 34 percent of three-point attempts and making only eight out of fourteen free throws.


LaMelo Ball emerged as a beacon of hope for Charlotte, delivering an impressive individual performance by scoring 35 points along with seven assists and six rebounds. However, his efforts were not enough to counterbalance Orlando's dominance across both ends of the court. Moussa Diabate also made notable contributions with twelve points and fifteen rebounds alongside three blocks.


ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic rebounds the ball during the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 12, 2024 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

On defense, Charlotte managed seven steals but allowed Orlando too much space inside, conceding forty-eight defensive rebounds while grabbing fifty-nine total rebounds themselves.


Orlando Magic's Commanding Victory


The Magic capitalized on turnovers scoring twenty-two points off turnovers compared to twelve by Charlotte. They also had better efficiency from both two-point range (61 percent) and from free throws (79 percent). Their bench played an instrumental role contributing forty-five bench points which significantly outpaced Charlotte’s twenty-seven bench points.


ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during the Emirates NBA Cup game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 12, 2024 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

Orlando led comfortably for most of the match thanks largely to consistent scoring across all four quarters including thirty-one point hauls in both first and third quarters which set them up for victory early on.


Looking Ahead


The next challenge awaiting Charlotte will be against Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center on November 16th at 3:00 PM EDT. Fans can catch this matchup live on FDSSE or FDSWI networks as they hope for their team to bounce back strong after this setback.


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