After the losing streak dropped the Magic to a 12-15, they rallied back to finish the season with a 42-40 overall record and the No. 7 seed in the East. This year, their 12-17 record currently has them clinging to the No. 8 seed by percentage points over the 13-19 Hornets.
- The 13-19 Hornets are 4-3 over their last seven contests, and their improving defensive development is a big component of that, according to Sam Perley of Hornets.com (they were 4-2 in their last six games at the time of Perley’s article, but lost last night). Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer also notes that Hornets players are buying in to a directive from coach James Borrego requesting they prioritize defensive effort.