Hornets put away Magic early in 109-88 win
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Nicolas Batum had 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in less than three quarters and the Charlotte Hornets cruised to their third straight win with a 109-88 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night at the Spectrum Center.
The Hornets dominated the second half and led by as many as 29 points. They outscored the Magic 39-24 in the third quarter, hitting 13 of 20 shots from the field (65 percent) in the quarter. They finished the game at 48.2 percent.
The Hornets (14-9) are back to five games above .500 for the first time since starting the season 6-1.
Batum did not play in the fourth quarter with the game safely in hand, and it cost him an opportunity for his fourth straight double-double.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist matched Batum with 16 points. Kemba Walker scored 15 and Ramon Sessions and Jeremy Lamb had 12 apiece.
The Magic (10-14) got 14 points from Evan Fournier and 12 from Serge Ibaka. They shot just 37.4 percent from the field.
Orlando led 21-20 after one quarter. Charlotte was up 52-46 at halftime, then pushed the lead to 91-70 after three quarters.
Magic coach Frank Vogel got so frustrated that he cleared his bench with 8:28 remaining and the Hornets leading 97-72.
NOTES: The Hornets were starting a difficult stretch of six games in nine days. They'll hit the road now for a five-game trip beginning Saturday night at Cleveland. They'll also play Indiana, Washington, Boston and Atlanta on the trip. ... This was the first of four meetings between the Magic and Hornets this season. The Hornets won three of four last season. ... The Magic were coming off a 117-87 home loss to Boston on Wednesday, which snapped a three-game winning streak. ... Orlando C Nikola Vucevic played despite suffering a corneal abrasion against Boston. ... Charlotte beat Detroit 87-77 at home on Wednesday. ... Hornets G Nicolas Batum came into the game with three straight double-doubles, averaging 14.3 points, 12.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists during that stretch. ... The Magic are better on the road (6-6 entering the game) than at home (4-7). ... Orlando will return home to face Denver on Saturday.