The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 117-106, at Spectrum Center on Friday.

The Magic (27-37) might be 10 games below the .500 threshold, but they keep piling up wins and show they are not going to give up until they’re mathematically eliminated, and their win over the Hornets (20-45) was a game in which they didn’t have major problems outside of a late comeback attempt from Charlotte. Orlando got off to a strong start and grabbed the lead following a 31-26 score in the opening 12 minutes, but the Magic would pull away for good following an 11-point differential in the second quarter (33-22). The Magic didn’t step the foot off the gas in the third quarter either, and they marched into the final period holding an 18-point lead. The Hornets tried to mount a comeback and outscored the Magic by seven points in the fourth, but it was not enough to turn things around, and Orlando sealed the win. The Magic improved to 12-21 on the road with the win, while the Hornets fell to 11-20 at home.

Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic in this win, as he ended with 31 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Wendell Carter ended with 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Both Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris notched nine points, four rebounds and two steals, though Fultz also dished out four assists. Cole Anthony had 16 points and four assists off the bench, with Jalen Suggs adding 15 points and five boards. Moritz Wagner added 13 points and six boards.

Kelly Oubre Jr. posted a 29-point, 10-rebound performance that also included two assists and two steals, while Terry Rozier delivered 22 points, six assists, two boards and two steals. Gordon Hayward had 17 points and seven assists, and Mark Williams chipped in with 13 points and seven boards while playing 28 minutes.