Second-year guard Liam McNeeley leads the Charlotte Hornets to a win in their Summer League opener.
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Hornets 86, 
Magic 74: Box Score | Game Detail
LAS VEGAS – The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic, 86-74, in the 2026 NBA Summer League at Cox Pavilion on Thursday.
The Magic got out to an 8-point lead after the first quarter, but the Hornets dominated the rest of the game. They took control with a 25-15 third quarter and then put the game away behind a 24-16 fourth quarter. The Hornets out-rebounded the Magic, 56-37, while out-assisting them, 23-14. Charlotte also shot 42.0% from the field and 40.0% from 3-point range while holding Orlando to 39.7% percent from the field and 28.6% from long range.
The Hornets were led by Liam McNeeley, who tallied 28 points and four assists. Ryan Kalkbrenner collected 10 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The No. 14 overall pick, Hannes Steinbach, led the bench with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks.
The Magic were led by Noah Penda, who provided 23 points, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Jase Richardson had 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Lester Quinones compiled 10 points and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with the Hornets facing the New Orleans Pelicans (4 ET, ESPN) and the Magic matching up with the Miami Heat (3:30 ET, Prime Video).
