Charlotte Hornets defeat Orlando Magic 99-97
In the first game back at the Hive, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 99-97 last night. The game saw the resurgence of power forward Al Jefferson, who scored 20 points despite a poor shooting percentage. Jefferson was perfect from the free throw line.
More from Charlotte Hornets
- Charlotte Hornets: Return would have provided valuable experience
- Charlotte Hornets: Regrading the 2010 NBA Draft
- Charlotte Hornets win what could be final game of the season
- Charlotte Hornets: Tank now or buzz towards the playoffs?
- Charlotte Hornets travel to face Pistons with focus on the future
The Hornets also got a strong performance from forward Cody Zeller in action from off the bench. Zeller played only about 21 minutes of the game but contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds. Those six boards suggest that Zeller is really trying to make rebounding an important part of his game. Rebounding really can make the difference between a good team and a great team, so this is a good thing.
The guy who brought the Hornets home was point guard Jannero Pargo. The ten year vet scored 16 points, with most of his damage coming in the fourth quarter. That scoring decided the game. Pargo has had two good games the last couple games of the preseason.
On the injury front, the Hornets got shooting guard Lance Stephenson back and he did start. He played 27 minutes and scored 8 points. Point guard Kemba Walker left the game early after banging knees with Magic rookie guard Elfrid Payton and should be fine. Shooting guard Gerald Henderson did not play.
Live Feed
FanSided
The high scorer for the Orlando Magic was former Bobcat Ben Gordon. Despite his reputation, Ben did all of his damage from within the arc. Payton, center Nikola Vucevic, and small forward Tobias Harris all scored in double figures as well for the Magic. Harris also led the Magic in rebounding. Duke product Seth Curry did not play.
The next game for the Hornets is the Cool School Field Trip game for the kids. The Hornets will be playing the Detroit Pistons at 11:00 AM Wednesday in Time Warner Arena.