Paolo Banchero leads Magic to playoff berth with win over Hornets

Banchero's 25-point performance helps Orlando secure the Eastern Conference's 8th seed

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:52am

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An extreme close-up of Paolo Banchero mid-dunk, with his body and the basketball court rendered in a vibrant, expressionist style of rapid, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and power of his athletic movement.Paolo Banchero's electrifying performance propels the Magic to the playoffs, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when his team needs him most.Charlotte Today

In a must-win game against the Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero put on a dominant performance, scoring 25 points and adding 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and a block to lead his team to a 121-90 victory and secure a spot in the NBA playoffs. Banchero bounced back after a subpar shooting night in the team's previous loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, connecting on 9-of-17 shots and 2-of-6 from three-point range.

Why it matters

The win over the Hornets was crucial for the Magic, as it allowed them to clinch the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Banchero, an All-Star in 2024, has been a key part of the Magic's roster this season, and his strong performance in this must-win game showcased his ability to step up when his team needs him most.

The details

Banchero's 25-point outburst came on the heels of a 31.8% shooting night in the Magic's previous loss to the 76ers, a defeat that cost Orlando the chance to be the 7th seed and face the Boston Celtics in the first round. However, the 23-year-old forward was far more efficient against the Hornets, connecting on 9-of-17 shots from the field and 2-of-6 from three-point range. He also contributed 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and a block, making an impact on both ends of the floor.

  • The Magic's win over the Hornets on Friday, April 18, 2026 secured their spot in the NBA playoffs.
  • Banchero's previous subpar performance came in a 109-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on April 15, 2026.

The players

Paolo Banchero

A 23-year-old forward for the Orlando Magic who was named an All-Star in 2024 and is having one of his best overall seasons in 2025-26, averaging 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.

Charlotte Hornets

The Orlando Magic's opponent in the must-win game, a team that was riding momentum after an improbable win on Tuesday.

Orlando Magic

The NBA team that secured a playoff berth with their 121-90 win over the Charlotte Hornets, led by a dominant performance from Paolo Banchero.

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What’s next

The Orlando Magic will now face the Detroit Pistons, the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed, in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Tip-off for the series opener is set for 6:30 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Paolo Banchero's standout performance in the must-win game against the Hornets showcased his ability to step up when his team needs him most. The 23-year-old forward's dominant showing, which included 25 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and a block, helped the Magic secure a playoff berth and set up a first-round matchup with the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.