Magic Defeat Hornets, Clinch Playoff Spot

Orlando's desperation fuels dominant win in play-in tournament

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting the intense action and energy of a basketball game between the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets, with the players' movements and the competitive spirit of the contest captured through a fractured, multi-perspective composition of sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.The Orlando Magic's physical, relentless play overwhelmed the Charlotte Hornets in their play-in tournament matchup, setting the stage for an underdog playoff run.Today in Orlando

The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in an Eastern Conference play-in game, clinching a playoff berth for the third straight season. Facing elimination, the Magic put together one of their best performances of the year, building a 35-point lead before halftime. Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team's sense of desperation and urgency, while former Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, on hand as a broadcast analyst, said the Hornets 'looked like they don't want any part of this'.

Why it matters

The Magic's playoff berth continues a turnaround under Mosley, who is the first coach to lead the team to three straight postseason appearances since Van Gundy's tenure. For the Hornets, the loss is a disappointing end to a season in which they had made significant progress under coach Charles Lee.

The details

The Magic were dominant from the start, using a physical 'bully ball' approach to overwhelm the Hornets. Orlando built a 35-point lead before halftime and cruised to the 31-point victory. The Magic were led by strong performances from forwards Jamal Cain, Franz Wagner, and Paolo Banchero.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The Magic clinched their third straight playoff berth.

The players

Jamal Cain

Orlando Magic forward who had a strong game in the win.

Franz Wagner

Orlando Magic forward who contributed to the team's dominant performance.

Paolo Banchero

Orlando Magic forward who was part of the team's relentless effort.

Jamahl Mosley

Orlando Magic head coach who praised his team's sense of desperation.

Stan Van Gundy

Former Orlando Magic head coach who was on hand as a broadcast analyst for the game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“When you play with a sense of desperation and urgency, when you know you're either going home or extending your season, that's what it looks like. There (are) no second chances.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Orlando Magic head coach

“I've got to be honest. Charlotte is shrinking from the competition. They look like they don't want any part of this.”

— Stan Van Gundy

“We're going to need more of that in the playoffs.”

— Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic forward

“We were just relentless with that tonight. ... It was just a complete effort from the whole team.”

— Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic forward

“I hope that this fuels us this offseason, because we've done a ton of really good things and gave ourselves an opportunity. You're one step away from being in the playoffs. I don't want to discredit that. But this has got to hurt a little bit.”

— Charles Lee, Charlotte Hornets head coach

What’s next

The Magic will face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Magic's dominant win over the Hornets in the play-in tournament showcased their resilience and determination to extend their season. Their physical, relentless style of play could make them a dangerous opponent in the playoffs, even as heavy underdogs against the Pistons.