The Orlando Magic delivered an impressive NBA scoreline on Friday night, defeating the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 to secure the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 seed.
Led by Paolo Banchero, who scored 25 points, Orlando continued that momentum and took an early lead.
The team led by 35 points in the first half, effectively deciding the outcome of the play-in tournament before intermission.
According to ESPN Research, the 31-point margin is the largest victory in play-in tournament history.
Franz Wagner added 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 16 points on efficient shooting.
Desmond Benn and Jalen Suggs also contributed double figures.
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 23 points, most of which came after the result was already beyond doubt. Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The Magic will now face the Detroit Pistons in a best-of-seven first-round series starting on Sunday.
Charlotte’s playoff drought continues, which has now extended to 10 seasons, while Orlando will try to advance beyond the first round for the first time since 2010.
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