Magic Secure Playoff Berth With Dominant Win Over Hornets

Head coach Jamahl Mosley cites 'desperation' as driving force behind 31-point victory

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:23pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and intensity of a basketball game, with players' forms and movements dissolving into dynamic brushstrokes.The Orlando Magic's relentless and desperate performance secures a playoff berth with a decisive win over the Charlotte Hornets.Philadelphia Today

The Orlando Magic secured the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup with the Detroit Pistons in the 2026 NBA Playoffs with a dominant 121-90 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. Head coach Jamahl Mosley pointed to urgency and 'desperation' as the key factors behind the Magic's emphatic response after suffering a loss in their first Play-In game earlier in the week.

Why it matters

The Magic's decisive win over the Hornets came just days after they suffered a disappointing loss in their first Play-In game, leaving the team in a win-or-go-home scenario. The team's ability to rebound with such a focused and complete performance highlights their resilience and determination to extend their season.

The details

The Magic set the tone early and never allowed the Hornets to recover, building a double-digit lead by halftime and continuing to apply pressure on both ends of the floor. Paolo Banchero led the way with 25 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and a block, while Franz Wagner added 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

  • The Magic suffered a 109-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in their first Play-In game on Tuesday, leaving them in a win-or-go-home scenario.
  • The Magic's dominant 121-90 victory over the Hornets on Friday night secured the No. 8 seed and a first-round matchup with the Detroit Pistons in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

The players

Jamahl Mosley

Head coach of the Orlando Magic, who emphasized the team's 'desperation' and urgency as the driving force behind their dominant win over the Hornets.

Paolo Banchero

The Magic's star forward, who led the team with 25 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and a block in the win.

Franz Wagner

The Magic's versatile wing player, who contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the victory.

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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, Head Coach, Orlando Magic

“We did what we were supposed to do. There's a reason we can be happy tonight. But at the end of the day, we still have more work to do.”

— Jamahl Mosley, Head Coach, Orlando Magic

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

— Paolo Banchero

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

— Franz Wagner

What’s next

The Magic now shift their focus to the postseason, where they will face the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

The takeaway

The Magic's decisive victory over the Hornets, fueled by a sense of 'desperation' and urgency, showcases their resilience and determination to extend their season. After a disappointing loss in the Play-In tournament, the team responded with a complete and balanced effort, setting the stage for a first-round playoff matchup against the Pistons.