LAS VEGAS — Noah Penda poured in 23 points and knocked down five of 10 3-pointers, but the Orlando Magic went cold after halftime and dropped an 86-74 decision to the Charlotte Hornets in NBA Summer League action Thursday.
Penda added seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals in a performance that showcased the second-year forward’s expanding perimeter game. He made 30 of his 93 attempts — 32.3 percent — from beyond the arc during his rookie season, a number that left room for growth. His five triples Thursday suggested the confidence is there heading into his sophomore campaign.
Jase Richardson contributed 15 points, four rebounds and four assists for Orlando, operating comfortably both on and off the ball. Richardson shot 41.5 percent on catch-and-shoot threes last season, and his smooth play Thursday raised questions about how the Magic’s new coaching staff will deploy him in the backcourt next season.
Charlotte’s Liam McNeeley led all scorers with 28 points, while Hannes Steinbach, the 14th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, posted 15 points and 11 rebounds. The Hornets outscored the Magic by 10 in the third quarter and eight in the fourth to pull away.
Lester Quinones, the 6-foot-5 sharpshooter out of the University of Memphis, connected on two of his four 3-point attempts Thursday. Quinones made 177 triples last season with the Osceola Magic in the G League’s tip-off tournament and regular season combined — the most ever made in a single season in the franchise’s G League history.
Orlando continues summer league play in Las Vegas, where the new coaching staff will get additional looks at Penda’s shooting development and Richardson’s versatility before training camp.