Orlando Magic Storm Back to Stun Charlotte Hornets
Nov 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Orlando Magic guard
Evan Fournier(10) goes up for a shot against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic stormed back from a 23-point second half deficit to stun the Charlotte Hornets 105-100 Friday in one of the biggest comebacks in franchise history.
Orlando trailed 70-47 with 6:41 to play in the third quarter but went on an 11-4 run over the final 4:03 of the quarter to get within striking distance.
After slowly nipping away at the lead Orlando (6-8) took a 97-95 edge when rookie Elfrid Payton hit a 16-foot jumper with 1:30 left.
Charlotte’s (4-9) Al Jefferson hit a couple of free throws to tie the game but after Payton missed two free throws, Willie Green grabbed the offensive board with 57 seconds left and drained the put back to give the Magic the lead for good.
The Magic are now 4-5 on the road this season. They were 4-37 on the road last season.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) November 22, 2014
Orlando outscored Charlotte 41-21 over the final 12 minutes while Green scored all nine of his points in the final frame.
Tobias Harris had 17 points and 16 boards while the returning Evan Fournier had 21 points. Payton had 16 points off the bench.
Jefferson led all scorers with 24.
In other news, rookie Aaron Gordon had surgery Friday on the fractured bone is his left foot. He’s out indefinitely but the expected recovering lasts 6-8 weeks.
The Magic return home Saturday to face their in-state rival Miami Heat.