The Lead
Paolo Banchero filled up the box score with 21 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists and Mo Bamba scored a season-best 19 points, as the Orlando Magic notched their first victory of the season with Friday’s 113-93 triumph over the Charlotte Hornets at Amway Center.
Interesting Fact
With now six straight 20-plus-point games to start his NBA career, Banchero tied Oscar Robertson for the second longest such streak by a No. 1 overall draft pick. Elvin Hayes, the top selection in the 1968 draft, had 10 straight games with at least 20 points to begin his career.
Key Stretch
The Magic closed the first half with 13 unanswered points to build a 21-point halftime lead. Bol Bol scored five of his 11 points during that span, while Franz Wagner knocked down a 3-pointer, Terrence Ross connected on a floater, and Wendell Carter Jr. slammed home a dunk.
Key Stats
The Magic held the Hornets to 38.4 percent shooting overall and 28.9 percent from 3-point range. Also, Orlando dished out a season-most 29 assists and had 56 paint points.
Memorable Moment
Bamba was the recipient of one of Banchero’s best passes of the night. With 55 seconds left in the first quarter, Bamba caught the alley-oop from the rookie forward and flushed it home over Jalen McDaniels while taking the contact.
Injury Report
Cole Anthony (right internal oblique muscle injury), Jalen Suggs (right ankle), Markelle Fultz (toe), Moe Wagner (sprained right midfoot), Gary Harris (left knee rehabilitation), and Jonathan Isaac (left knee rehabilitation) were unavailable for the Magic. LaMelo Ball (ankle), Terry Rozier (ankle), and Cody Martin (quadriceps) were out for the Hornets.
Quote of the Day
“(Franz has done) a great job of trying to make the right decision, the right read, knowing when to cut. Giving the ball up early to get it back later. He did a really good job (against the Cavs) with his execution and IQ when it came to certain situations.” – Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley on Wagner
This Day in History
On Oct. 28, 2009, opening night that year, Dwight Howard recorded 21 points and 15 rebounds, Ryan Anderson scored 16 points, and Vince Carter and Jason Williams each had 15 in Orlando’s victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Marreese Speights, who years later played with the Magic, scored 26 points for the Sixers. The Magic and Sixers had played in the first round of the playoffs the prior season, with Orlando winning the series in six games.
Rivals Report
Prior to Friday, Charlotte had been getting better-than-expectation play from its supporting cast, which was necessary with Ball out with the ankle injury. The biggest surprise had been Dennis Smith Jr., a late offseason pickup by the Hornets. Steve Clifford, Orlando’s former head coach, has always gotten his point guards to play under control. Smith, a bit reckless earlier in his career, has done a good job taking care of the ball. Others giving the Hornets good minutes include 24-year-olds Nick Richards and Jalen McDaniels, who is the older brother of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels.
Up Next
The Magic head back out on the road for two games, starting with a visit to Dallas to take on the Mavs on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET. These two teams met in the preseason, with Orlando prevailing behind 19 points from Banchero, 16 from Ross and 13 from Bamba. Christian Wood, the early Sixth Man of the Year favorite, scored 23 points for Dallas. They split their two contests last season, with each team winning on their home floor.