ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Baron Davis scored 27 points and made a key three-pointer down the stretch Wednesday night as the Charlotte Hornets held off the Orlando Magic, 97-94.
The Hornets entered the final period with a 71-65 lead and were clinging to an 84-82 edge when Davis, who also had 10 assists, hit a three-pointer with 6:03 remaining.
The Magic got within 93-90 with three minutes to go and had a chance to tie. But Darrell Armstrong missed a three-pointer and P.J. Brown dunked off the ensuing fast break for a five-point bulge with 2:35 left. Brown scored 14 points.
Improving Lee Nailon continued his strong preseason play with 18 points and David Wesley also contributed 18 for the Hornets (4-2), who shot 48 percent from the field and made 13 of 14 free throws.
Charlotte played without starters Jamal Mashburn and Elden Campbell and reserve Matt Bullard. Kirk Haston, a first-round pick expected to add shooting, was zero of seven from the field.
Grant Hill overcame early poor shooting to collect 26 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic (2-2), who shot just 40 percent. Mike Miller scored 17 points and Armstrong added 13.
Orlando was without star swingman Tracy McGrady, who has a sore lower back and may sit out the rest of the preseason. Veteran center Patrick Ewing was scoreless in 16 minutes and rookie center Steven Hunter played just three minutes.
