Ball back in starting lineup, helps spark fast start as the Hornets beat Magic 124-97

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Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, left, drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr., right, and forward Noah Penda, second from right, defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton (8) is defended by Orlando Magic forwards Noah Penda (93) and Moritz Wagner (21) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) — Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel, left, drives to the basket as Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr., right, and forward Noah Penda, second from right, defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

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9:41 PM on Thursday, January 22

The Associated Press

ORLANDO (AP) — LaMelo Ball returned to Charlotte's starting lineup and had 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds as the Hornets beat the Orlando Magic 124-97 on Thursday night.

Ball, who a night earlier had one of the worst shooting performances of his career when he came off the bench as part of a plan to manage his minutes, went 6 for 12 from the field and 4 for 8 from 3-point distance against Orlando. In a loss to Cleveland on Wednesday, the No. 3 pick in the 2020 draft finished with two points on 1-of-15 shooting, including 0 of 10 from 3-point range.

Brandon Miller scored 20 points to lead Charlotte's balanced effort. Collin Sexton came off the bench and scored 12 of his 19 points in the first half, Kon Knueppel and Tidjane Salaunadded added 13 apiece, and Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner each scored 10.

Paolo Banchero scored 23 points, and Desmond Bane added 21 for the Magic. Moritz Wagner scored 14, Noah Penda added 13 and Jeff Howard 10.

Back in the starting lineup, Ball played a role in the fast start for the Hornets that was missing against Cleveland a night earlier when they trailed by 21 points in the first quarter. Ball scored eight points in seven minutes on 3-for-3 shooting, including 2 for 2 from distance, as Charlotte led 35-20 after a period.

Ball had 11 points in 15 minutes in the first half as Charlotte built a 62-41 lead by the break with 55% (22 for 41) shooting from the floor, and 48% (11 for 23) from beyond the arc. The Hornets outscored Orlando 35-26 in the third and extended their lead to 30 points with a period remaining on the way to their fourth victory in nine games.

The Magic struggled throughout, shooting 33% (13 for 40), including 5 for 19 (26%) from distance in the first half.

Orlando was without guard Jalen Suggs, who missed his eighth straight game due to a right knee injury. Center Moe Wagner was also sidelined due to left knee management and could return to the lineup this weekend.

Up next

Hornets: Host the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

Magic: Host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

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