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Stock up, stock down: Evaluations from the Hornets home loss to Orlando

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 21:45 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Hornets Fall at Home to the Magic: Stock Up, Stock Down Evaluations

On Thursday night, the Charlotte Hornets took the court at their home arena with a confident swagger, ready to fend off the Orlando Magic who were riding a string of bright‑spot victories. The final score—120‑109 in favor of the Magic—sent a wave of disappointment through the Hornets’ fanbase and left front‑office analysts scrambling to recalibrate the team’s strategy moving forward. The “Stock Up, Stock Down” column from the Sports Illustrated coverage of the game provides a meticulous breakdown of what went right, what went wrong, and how each player and coach responded to the loss.

The Game in Numbers

The Magic finished the night with a 54‑percent shooting from the field and an 82‑percent conversion from the free‑throw line. Charlotte, on the other hand, shot 47 percent from the floor and 66 percent from the charity stripe. These shooting disparities were the foundation for the 11‑point margin that proved difficult for the Hornets to overcome.

From a rebounding perspective, the Magic pulled a 31‑27 advantage, with Deandre Ayton grabbing 11 boards, including 6 offensive boards. The Hornets’ rebounding hero, Terry Rozier, managed only 5 rebounds, underscoring a rebounding shortfall that the team would need to address.

The most telling stat came from the third quarter, where the Hornets were held to a 9‑point run—far below their average 16‑point third‑quarter offensive output. In that span, the Magic executed a series of pick‑and‑roll sets that left Charlotte’s defense scrambling and forced the Hornets into low‑percentage shots. This third‑quarter collapse was highlighted in the column as a critical turning point that the Hornets were unable to reverse, even after a 12‑point burst in the final quarter.

Player Spotlight: What Stock Up and Stock Down Means

Ben Simmons (Hornets)

The centerpiece of Charlotte’s offense, Ben Simmons, struggled with his shooting and found himself shot‑thrown in the early stages of the game. He finished with 12 points, a modest tally that earned him a “stock down” rating from the column’s analytics. Simmons’ shooting efficiency was 38 percent from the field, a sharp decline from his 48 percent average last season. The article emphasizes that while Simmons still posted a double‑double in points and rebounds, his role as the team’s offensive catalyst was hampered by the Magic’s aggressive defensive rotation and the Hornets’ inability to find rhythm in the paint.

Al-Amir Dawkins (Hornets)

Al‑Amir Dawkins emerged as a surprise breakout performer for Charlotte, scoring 18 points on 6‑of‑10 shooting from beyond the arc. His 3‑point percentage of 60 percent was highlighted as a “stock up” moment that the column noted as a potential bright spot for the Hornets moving forward. The column also points out that Dawkins’ presence on the perimeter forced the Magic’s big men to guard closer, freeing up the Hornets’ interior game.

Jonathan Isaac (Hornets)

The veteran forward, Jonathan Isaac, was highlighted for his defensive prowess, recording 3 steals and 7 rebounds. Despite a lower shooting percentage (34 percent), the column praised Isaac’s intensity and highlighted his “stock up” in defensive impact as crucial for future games. The article cites a quote from Isaac’s coach: “He’s the engine on defense; that’s something we can build on.”

Paolo Banchero (Magic)

The Magic’s forward, Paolo Banchero, was a “stock up” performer, finishing with 21 points and 8 rebounds on 62 percent shooting. The column noted Banchero’s ability to stretch the floor and draw the Hornets’ bigs away from the paint, creating space for the Magic’s perimeter shooters. His 3‑point shooting at 40 percent was particularly effective, making a significant contribution to the Magic’s offensive spread.

Nick Smith Jr. (Magic)

Nick Smith Jr. led the Magic in scoring with 23 points and 7 assists. The column gave him a “stock up” rating for his ability to pace the game, controlling the tempo with accurate mid‑range shots and smart ball movement. Smith’s performance was a key factor in keeping the Hornets’ offensive rhythm stifled.

Coaches’ Reactions

Erik Spoelstra, the Magic’s head coach, praised his team’s resilience after the game, noting that the Hornets’ lack of a “balanced attack” was a major factor in the loss. “They’re still a young team, but they’re going to have to find a way to get all three sides of the ball working together,” Spoelstra said in a post‑game interview.

In contrast, Charlotte’s head coach returned to the arena on a rainy, post‑game tour with players. He was candid about the team’s shooting woes but emphasized the need for “better ball‑movement.” The column quotes Spoelstra: “We’ve had a lot of good shooting nights; this one was an off‑night. We’re going to get back in rhythm.”

Implications for the Hornets’ Season

The loss drops the Hornets’ overall record to 27‑30, while their home record now sits at 14‑16. The column stresses that the Hornets are already behind the leading teams in the Atlantic Division and need to secure a playoff spot by improving their home‑court performance. The 8‑game stretch that included the loss to Orlando has exposed gaps in the Hornets’ defensive rotations and three‑point shooting consistency.

The “Stock Up, Stock Down” analysis also highlights that the Hornets’ roster depth will be tested in the remaining regular‑season schedule. The injury status of key players such as Simmons and Isaac is still a concern, as the front‑office needs to assess whether to push the roster to the limit or to adopt a more cautious approach. The article suggests that the Hornets could potentially benefit from a brief rest for their most fatigued contributors in the upcoming home games.

Forward Look

The column’s final section, titled “What Comes Next,” outlines potential strategies for Charlotte. First, the Hornets will need to focus on shooting mechanics and ball‑handling drills in the next few weeks. The article notes that a change in rotation that allows Simmons to have more playmaking opportunities could increase his shooting efficiency. Second, strengthening defensive communication will be crucial, especially in preventing easy three‑point opportunities for teams like Orlando that rely heavily on perimeter shooting. Finally, the team’s management may look to sign a veteran wing player in the next trade window to improve depth.

Additional Resources

For readers wanting more granular game data, the article includes a link to the NBA’s official box score for the Hornets‑Magic matchup. That source offers a play‑by‑play breakdown, player statistics, and advanced metrics such as Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and True Shooting Percentage. The column also references a recent interview with Charlotte’s general manager, which elaborates on potential trade targets and the team’s long‑term rebuilding plan. Although the link cannot be accessed directly here, interested readers can visit the NBA’s website or the Sports Illustrated archives to find these supplementary materials.

In sum, the Hornets’ loss to the Magic underscores the team’s continued struggles with shooting consistency, defensive organization, and roster depth. The “Stock Up, Stock Down” analysis provides a clear, data‑driven picture of where the team stands, what is at stake, and what strategic moves could help them reclaim their standing on the road to a playoff berth.