Orlando Magic Dominate Paint in Play-In Win Over Hornets

Magic's defense and paint presence prove too much for Charlotte in must-win game

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:23pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with players driving to the hoop, battling for rebounds, and contesting shots, all rendered in a geometric, fragmented style using bold colors.The Orlando Magic's relentless attack on the paint and stifling defense overwhelmed the Charlotte Hornets in their NBA Play-In Tournament matchup.Today in Orlando

The Orlando Magic put on a defensive clinic and dominated the paint in their NBA Play-In Tournament win over the Charlotte Hornets. Orlando's stifling defense forced the Hornets into a historically poor shooting performance, while the Magic's relentless attack in the paint led to a decisive victory.

Why it matters

This win showcases the Magic's identity as a team that can win playoff-caliber games when they commit to their strengths - playing tough defense, crashing the boards, and attacking the rim. If Orlando can maintain this level of focus and execution, they have a chance to make noise in the postseason.

The details

The Magic jumped out to a 22-4 advantage in points in the paint in the first quarter and finished the game with a 64-28 edge. Their active defense forced 11 Hornets turnovers in the first half alone, leading to easy transition baskets. Orlando's stars like Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs set the tone by driving hard to the hoop and finding open teammates. The Magic's bigs, including Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze, also played a key role in controlling the paint on both ends.

  • The Magic jumped out to a 22-4 Points in the Paint (PITP) lead after the first quarter.
  • Orlando's PITP advantage ballooned to 50-20 after three quarters.
  • The Magic finished the game with a 64-28 margin in points in the paint.

The players

Paolo Banchero

The Magic's star forward had 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading Orlando's attack in the paint.

Franz Wagner

The versatile wing player executed pick-and-roll drives and found open teammates, contributing to the Magic's balanced offensive attack.

Jalen Suggs

The Magic's starting point guard set the tone defensively, pestering Hornets star LaMelo Ball and fouling out while playing with maximum intensity.

Wendell Carter Jr.

The Magic's starting center was a force on the boards, helping Orlando dominate the paint on both ends of the floor.

Goga Bitadze

The backup center provided a defensive presence in the paint, blocking 3 shots in a short span to protect the rim.

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What they’re saying

“Stops, stops. We got stops, we were able to get out and run, get some early, easy baskets.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Magic Head Coach

“When we are able to dominate the paint like that, we give ourselves a real good chance to win, and it is going to have to continue.”

— Paolo Banchero, Magic Forward

“I actually think our mindset was to take away their catch-and-shoot threes. I think that is how they beat a lot of teams.”

— Franz Wagner, Magic Forward

What’s next

The Magic will face the Detroit Pistons in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series just 48 hours after their Play-In win. Orlando will need to channel the same defensive intensity and paint dominance to have a chance of advancing against the higher-seeded Pistons.

The takeaway

When the Orlando Magic commit to their identity as a tough, defensive-minded team that attacks the paint, they can beat any opponent, even playoff-caliber teams. This win showcases the Magic's potential when they play to their strengths and avoid settling for jump shots, a formula they'll need to replicate in the postseason.