The Orlando Magic delivered their most complete performance of the season, dominating the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in a do-or-die play-in game to secure the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. This decisive 31-point victory stands as the largest margin of win by any NBA team in a play-in game, according to ESPN Research, allowing the Magic to avoid what could have been a frustrating and underachieving season marked by injuries and inconsistency.

The Magic showcased an inspired, connected, and highly physical style of basketball, particularly on defense. Guard Desmond Bane, a significant offseason acquisition from the Memphis Grizzlies, was a central figure in this physicality. A moment with 3:20 left, where Bane tangled with Miles Bridges, ended with Bane smiling, Bridges turning the ball over, and receiving a loose-ball and technical foul for pushing Bane. This encapsulated the Magic's aggressive approach.

Orlando's suffocating defense was evident from the start, turning over the Hornets 14 times for 22 points in the first half alone. They built a stunning 35-point first-half lead, which extended to as much as 68-33 with 1:16 left in the second quarter. The Magic's ability to repeatedly leak out for easy fastbreak baskets following missed shots or turnovers resulted in 24 fastbreak points, fueling a crucial 26-6 run spanning the first and second quarters from which Charlotte never recovered.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the team's 'one-and-done' mentality, drawing parallels to the NCAA tournament. He praised the first-half defense as