The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 86-74 [1] on July 9, 2026 [2], in the opening game of the NBA Summer League.
This victory sets the tone for the Hornets' preseason exhibition schedule and provides an early glimpse at the impact of their new talent in a competitive environment.
The game took place at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas [3]. The result leaves the Hornets with a 1-0 record [4] and the Magic at 0-1 [4] as the league begins its annual summer showcase.
Liam McNeeley led the Hornets' offense with 28 points [5]. His performance was anchored by seven three-pointers [6], along with four assists [7], and two rebounds [8]. McNeeley's scoring efficiency served as the primary engine for the Charlotte offense throughout the matchup.
Other contributors for the Hornets included Hannes Steinbach, who added 15 points while shooting 4-for-7 from the field [9].
Orlando's efforts were led by Noah Penda. Penda recorded 23 points [10] and seven rebounds [11] in the losing effort. Despite Penda's productivity, the Magic struggled to contain the perimeter shooting of the Hornets' roster.
The Summer League serves as a critical evaluation period for teams to assess rookie performance and depth. By securing a double-digit win in the first game, Charlotte establishes a positive momentum for its young core, a key objective for the organization before the regular season begins.
“The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 86-74”
The victory highlights the immediate offensive viability of Liam McNeeley, whose seven three-pointers demonstrate a high-ceiling scoring ability. For the Hornets, this win validates their early roster integration strategies, while the Magic must now address defensive lapses against elite perimeter shooters as they continue their Summer League campaign.
