CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Tracy McGrady scored 24 points and set up Mike Miller and Pat Garrity to fire away from the outside Friday night as the Orlando Magic rolled to a 109-99 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets faced a dilemma in trying to defend the 6-8 McGrady with 6-1 David Wesley or 6-3 Baron Davis. They tried a 1-2-2 matchup zone, hoping to give help to the smaller guards.
Operating from the low post, McGrady victimized the Hornets by passing to the perimeter to Miller and Garrity, both of whom made two three-pointers in the first quarter. McGrady scored eight points as the Magic raced to a 34-21 lead.
Charlotte finally abandoned its junk defense late in the second quarter, but by that time it was too late. Orlando opened a 65-46 halftime advantage and led by as many as 22 points in the third quarter.
McGrady made 10 of 21 shots and added eight assists and seven rebounds. Miller and Garrity made five three-pointers apiece and scored 21 and a season-high 19.
Grant Hill and Horace Grant scored 13 points each for Orlando, which shot 53 percent, including 11 of 22 from three-point range.
