Orlando Magic Crush Hornets, Secure Playoff Spot

0:00It's April 18th, from the locker room to your ears. This is Charlotte Hornet's news today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Orlando Magic is dominated the Charlotte Hornets in a play in a elimination game, winning 121 to 90 on Friday night. Powell Benchero dropped 25 points to lead the charge, while Franz Wagner added 18 with seven boards and six assists. Window Carter Jr. was efficient with 16 points on 6 of seven shooting. The magic built a massive 35 point lead by half time, the biggest ever in play in tournament history. They jumped out early, up 27 to 10 after the first quarter, and never looked back, cruising to the number 8 seed in the east. Hornet's fans are hurting after this blowout. Charlotte shot just 34% and got out rebounded 49 to 34. Lamello Ball tried to rally with 23 points, mostly in the third, but it was too late. Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller chipped in 15 and 14, but their squad's now facing

1:00a 10th straight playoff miss the longest active, drought, in the league. Magic head coach and players talked post-game about channeling their physicality from tip-off, setting the tone right away. Orlando went two and two against the top seeded pistons this season, so they've got familiarity heading into the best of seven series. That match up tips off Sunday in Detroit's house. Magic looking to shake off first round exits from the last two years, and advance past the opening. Round for the first time since 2010.