Magic Dominate Hornets, Punch Playoff Ticket

0:00It's April 18, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Charlotte Hornets News today, AI-powered updates on your squad. Orlando Magic just dominated the Charlotte Hornets in a play in tournament blowout, winning 121-90 and punching their ticket to the playoffs. Paulo Benchero dropped 25 points, and they built a massive 35 point lead by halftime to cruise to the number and the buy. 8 seed in the east. The Hornets got off to a rough start, shooting just 5-20 in the first quarter with 6 turnovers, falling behind 38-16. Early. Lamello Ball struggled at first, scoreless with 2 turnovers before halftime, then exploded for 21 of his 23 points in the third bite. It was too late to mount a comeback. Both teams have been hungry for this moment. The Magic God bounced in the first round the last two years and have been won a playoff series since 2010. Meanwhile, Charlotte swept Orlando in their final three regular season matchups, but hadn't seen the postseason since 2016.

1:02Now the Magic Head to Detroit for a best of seven first round series, starting Sunday, looking to finally break through against the pistons. That sets up some high stakes hoops ahead. Keep an eye on Benchero, carrying that momentum into the playoffs.