Coach Jamahl Mosley and multiple Magic players made it clear at shootaround Friday morning that Orlando wanted to set a physical tone from the jump in a win-or-go-home NBA play-in game against the Hornets inside Kia Center.
Facing elimination, the Magic steamrolled the Hornets and clinched their spot in the NBA Playoffs for the third year in a row.
Playing in front of a national TV audience on Amazon’s Prime Video and a rowdy fanbase inside its home arena, Orlando smothered Charlotte in a 121-90 victory that saw them lead by as many as 35 points in the first half.
“They respond,” Mosley said about his team after the dominant victory. “You either had a chance to end your season or you start a new one. And these guys made the commitment to each other, to our staff, that we want to keep playing basketball.
“It showed up first and foremost on the defensive end. That defense in the first half was probably about as elite that we’ve seen in awhile.”
With the win, the Magic advance to the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the East and will open its best-of-seven first-round series against the top-seeded Pistons on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.
Behind a combined 84 points from its starting lineup — Paolo Banchero (25), Franz Wagner (18), Wendell Carter Jr. (16), Desmond Bane (13) and Jalen Suggs (12) — Orlando dominated the paint 64-28 and the fastbreak 22-7 over the Hornets.
The Magic turned up the heat on the defensive end of the floor by scoring 26 points off 20 Charlotte turnovers and holding the Hornets to just 33.7% shooting from the floor.
With the loss, an otherwise encouraging season for a young Charlotte squad (44-38) ends in the play-in while the Magic (45-37) extend their year into the first round of the playoffs.
“We were ready to fight, ready to extend our season and get our spot in the playoffs,” Banchero said. “Nobody wanted to go home today. I thought we just came out and played really motivated.”
Strong start
Banchero penetrated the paint early and often and didn’t settle on the offensive end of the floor. He pieced together a 12-point first quarter when his first 3-pointer of the night put the Magic ahead by 17 points with under four minutes left in the opening period.
Carter Jr. matched the moment on the offensive end of the floor by making his first four shots from the field and reaching double figures after one quarter.
But it was Orlando’s defensive effort that knocked Charlotte off its fast-paced rhythm. In the first quarter alone, Orlando scored 11 points off six Charlotte turnovers to lead 38-16 after one frame.
“That’s what you do to start the game,” Mosley said. “You set the tone right away and we’re better when we do that. We’re going to face a Detroit team that is just as physical, just as tough, just as aggressive, but tonight our guys did a very good job of setting the tone early.”
The Magic kept it up on the defensive end when they scored 22 points off 14 Charlotte turnovers in the first half and led 68-37 at the break.
Suggs’ impact
Suggs actually committed a turnover on the very first play of the game but it was just one of three for the night.
He responded to a four-point first quarter by knocking down two 3-pointers late in the second quarter. He flew above the rim and slammed down the ball off a lob from Wagner to help grow Orlando’s lead to 32 points at the 2:15 mark of the second period.
Orlando players, from left: Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane (3), Jalen Suggs, and Jonathan Isaac celebrate during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane (3) and Charlotte forward Miles Bridges (white jersey) fall as they go after a loose ball during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. slam dunks during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane (3) and Charlotte forward Miles Bridges (white jersey) fall as they go after a loose ball during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley yells during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Franz Wagner (middle) scores between Charlotte defenders Brandon Miller (24) and Miles Bridges (0) during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley signals during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) blocks the shot of Charlotte center Moussa Diabate (14) during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero celebrates after a three point shot during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando mascot STUFF celebrates with fans during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando players huddle during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando center Goga Bitadze (middle) goes for a loose ball during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Franz Wagner (22) shoots an off-balance shot during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball (1) passes around Orlando center Goga Bitadze (35) during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley coaches during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Coby White (3) stumbles during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando fans cheer during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Jalen Suggs celebrates during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Jalen Suggs celebrates during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley yells during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Charlotte guard LeMelo Ball falls during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane (dark jersey) is fouled by Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball (1) during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Jamal Cain celebrates during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Franz Wagner slam dunks during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Franz Wagner (with ball) drives through Charlotte forward Kon Knueppel (7) during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando Magic players, from left: Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Jonathan Isaac celebrate during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley (right) hugs Orlando guard Jalen Suggs (left) before the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley yells during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Jalen Suggs (4) passes during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Charlotte forward Miles Bridges (0) shoots past Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley yells during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Anthony Black (0) and Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) try to stop Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball (1) during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero (5) and Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) celebrate during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Tristan da Silva (left) and Orlando center Goga Bitadze (right) stop guard Brandon Miller (middle) during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando fans cheer during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
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Orlando players, from left: Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane (3), Jalen Suggs, and Jonathan Isaac celebrate during the Charlotte Hornets at Orlando Magic NBA Play-In game at the Kia Center on Friday, April 17, 2026. Orlando won the game 121-90 to clinch a playoff spot.(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Suggs, however, found himself in foul trouble in the third quarter when a successful challenge by Charlotte led to his fifth foul less than four minutes into the second half. He fouled out of the game at the 11:22 mark of the fourth quarter.
Despite the fouls, Suggs made plays for his teammates on both ends, finishing with five rebounds and six assists in 22 minutes.
Containing Charlotte from 3
The Hornets finished the regular season leading the league in 3-pointers made per night (16.4) and were third in 3-point percentage (37.8%).
Orlando made a concerted effort to slow down Charlotte from distance early when the Southeast Division foe shot 6 for 21 (28.6%) from 3-point range in the first half.
The Magic didn’t necessarily shoot the ball well from downtown, but Orlando made timely 3-pointers and was 8 for 27 (29.6%) for the night. More importantly, the Hornets finished well below their season average, shooting just 26.7% (12-for-45) from distance.
Bench boost
Whether it was a dunk late in the third quarter from Jamal Cain or four key blocks from Goga Bitadze, Orlando’s reserves delivered in more ways than one.
Cain scored an efficient nine points on 3-for-3 shooting from the floor with three free throws and Bitadze added seven points, four rebounds and two assists.
With help from Anthony Black (7 points), Tristan da Silva (5) and others, Orlando’s bench outscored Charlotte 37-25.
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com