Hornets' Charles Lee Avoids Criticism of Referees After Play-in Loss

The Charlotte Hornets head coach declined to comment on the officiating after his team's blowout defeat against the Orlando Magic.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:10am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of a basketball game, with players and the court rendered in sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist interpretation of the physical intensity and defensive pressure that defined the Hornets-Magic play-in matchup.Charlotte Today

The Charlotte Hornets saw their season come to an end with a 120-91 loss against the Orlando Magic in the NBA play-in tournament. Hornets head coach Charles Lee lamented the refereeing, particularly the five offensive fouls his team was called for on screens, but declined to elaborate further, saying he did not want to risk getting fined. The Magic's defensive pressure and physicality proved to be the difference, as they held Hornets star LaMelo Ball to just 2 points in the first half before he scored 21 in the third quarter. Orlando's balanced scoring attack, with all five starters reaching double digits, was too much for Charlotte to overcome.

Why it matters

The Hornets' early playoff exit is a disappointment for a team that had high expectations this season. Lee's reluctance to criticize the officiating highlights the fine line coaches must walk when it comes to publicly commenting on referees, as the league is known to levy fines for perceived criticism. This game also showcased the Magic's defensive prowess and their ability to shut down an opposing team's top scorer, which will be crucial as they advance to face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round.

The details

The Hornets struggled mightily on offense, shooting poorly from the field and the three-point line. Kon Knueppel, who had been a reliable three-point shooter during the regular season, went just 1-for-12 from beyond the arc across the play-in games. Meanwhile, the Magic's defense was relentless, forcing five offensive fouls on Charlotte screens and limiting LaMelo Ball's impact in the first half before he found his rhythm in the third quarter.

  • The Hornets' season-ending loss to the Magic occurred on April 18, 2026.
  • The Magic will now face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs.

The players

Charles Lee

The head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, who declined to criticize the officiating after his team's blowout loss in the play-in tournament.

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard of the Charlotte Hornets, who was held to just 2 points in the first half before scoring 21 in the third quarter.

Paolo Banchero

The leading scorer for the Orlando Magic, who finished the game with 25 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.

Kon Knueppel

A key shooter for the Charlotte Hornets, who struggled mightily from the three-point line in the play-in games.

Brandon Miller

A starting forward for the Charlotte Hornets, who was one of the few players to score in double digits for the team.

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What they’re saying

“'I don't want to get into it because I don't want to get fined at all'”

— Charles Lee, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

“We were intent on being physical and maintain pressure right from the get-go. That proved to be the difference between the two teams.”

— Paolo Banchero

What’s next

The Orlando Magic will now face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for this Saturday.

The takeaway

The Hornets' early playoff exit is a disappointment, but their reluctance to criticize the officiating highlights the challenges coaches face in the modern NBA. The Magic's defensive intensity and balanced scoring attack proved to be too much for Charlotte, and they will now have their hands full against the formidable Pistons in the first round.