Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets Blowout the Magic, 121-81, in Wire to Wire Victory

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 10, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Christian Wood (35) shoots the ball defended by Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Christian Wood (35) shoots the ball defended by Orlando Magic center Bismack Biyombo (11) in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Marvin Williams’ career night led the Charlotte Hornets to a blowout win over their divisional rivals in the Orlando Magic.

121. 170. Final. 81. 38

The Charlotte Hornets (29-36) were able to defeat the Orlando Magic (24-42) in a wire to wire victory. This was one of their best games of the season as Marvin Williams and Kemba Walker led the rout of their divisional rivals. This wasn’t just an average blowout as the Hornets had their largest margin of victory this season and first 40-point win since 2002.

While the Hornets were shorthanded with Ramon Sessions (knee surgery), Miles Plumlee (calf strain), Frank Kaminsky (AC joint sprain) and Johnny O’Bryant (ankle sprain) all out, their absences didn’t have a big impact on the outcome. The rest of the active players stepped up and despite being thin in the front court, Christian Wood played well in extra minutes.

Turning Point

There really wasn’t a key moment in this one as the Hornets had control of the game from the opening tip. The defining moment and probably the point where everyone knew this game was over was when Marvin Williams completely destroyed and posterized Bismack Biyombo late in the second quarter. That came with 32 second left in the second period and put Charlotte up 58-40 and the home side never looked back.

More from Swarm and Sting

Who Stepped Up

Marvin Williams didn’t lead the team in scoring but he was the catalyst for the victory as he finished with 12 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists in this one. Kemba Walker scored a game-high 23 points on only 13 shots. Marco Belinelli led the second unit as he scored 18 points off of the bench.

Brian Roberts added 15 points and four assists as he had his best game of the season. Nicolas Batum added 15 points and 10 assists while Christian Wood chipped in 14 points on the night. Jeremy Lamb rounded out Charlotte’s seven double-digit scorers as he finished with 10 points.

The Magic were led by Aaron Gordon as he ended with a team-high 20 points and five boards. Evan Fournier (14) and Mario Hezonja (11) were the only other double-figure scorers for the Magic.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

  • Marvin grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds.
  • Brian Roberts scored a season-high 15 points.
  • This was Charlotte’s first wire to wire win of the season.
  • The Hornets out-rebounded the Magic 43-31.
  • Charlotte shot (47-79) 59.5% from the field and (10-21) 47.6% from three.

With the win, the Hornets improved to 3-0 on the season against the Magic. They have now won six straight regular-season games against Orlando. The two sides will meet once more this year as Charlotte attempts to sweep the season series.

Next: Kemba Needs Another Improbable Run in March

In their next outing, the Charlotte Hornets will host the New Orleans Pelicans for second and final time this season. It will be their first game against the new-look Pelicans with both DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. Steve Clifford’s side will look to continue their late push for the playoffs.

Home/Hornets News