Magic rout Hornets as final NBA playoff spots decided

TL;DR

The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets 121-90, securing their spot in the NBA playoffs. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 25 points, setting up a first-round matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

Key points

Orlando Magic defeated Charlotte Hornets 121-90
Paolo Banchero scored 25 points
Magic secured playoff spot for third consecutive season
Hornets miss playoffs for another year
NBA playoffs begin Saturday

Orlando MagicCharlotte HornetsDetroit PistonsPhiladelphia 76ers

Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic bulldozed Charlott's defense, scoring 12 in the first quarter alone (Rich Storry) (Rich Storry/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP) The Orlando Magic thrashed the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 to keep their season alive as the NBA playoffs' final teams were determined Friday. Paolo Banchero top-scored with 25 points to set up a daunting first-round playoff series for the Magic against the Eastern Conference top-seeded Detroit Pistons. It was Orlando's last chance to qualify for the post-season via the play-in tournament, having failed at their first attempt against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. The Golden State Warriors take on the Phoenix Suns later Friday for the Western Conference's No. 8 seed, after which the full NBA playoff schedule will be finalized. A physical, tough Magic outfit outmuscled the youthful Hornets from the tip-off of the win-or-go-home game in front of a sell-out 19,000 home crowd at Orlando's Kia Canter. Banchero bulldozed Charlotte's defense, scoring 12 in the first quarter alone. Having never trailed by more than a single point, Orlando soon stretched comfortably clear, establishing a giant 35-point lead shortly before half-time. Recovering from a sluggish start, LaMelo Bell -- the hero of the Hornets' first play-in game against on Tuesday -- exploded after the break. He poured in 21 points in the third quarter alone as he tried to single-handedly extend Charlotte's season. But Orlando's lead never dipped below 20 points, as the Magic eased to a win against a Charlotte side that had finished the regular season in strong form. Victory ensured the Magic have reached the playoffs for the third straight season, while the Hornets' decade-long wait goes on. The NBA playoffs begin Saturday. amz/jgc

Q&A

What was the final score of the Orlando Magic vs Charlotte Hornets game?

The final score was Orlando Magic 121, Charlotte Hornets 90.

Who scored the most points for the Orlando Magic in their playoff-clinching game?

Paolo Banchero scored the most points for the Magic with 25 points.

When do the NBA playoffs start after the Magic's victory?

The NBA playoffs begin on Saturday following the Magic's victory.