Even without Dwight Howard, Magic aim to protect the paint

The Orlando Magic don't have All-Star center Dwight Howard down low, but new head coach Jacque Vaughn still wants his team to avoid giving up easy baskets.

Hornets Rally To Take Down Magic 85-80

The New Orleans Hornets rallied from a 15-point deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic 85-80 in front of a sold out Mexico City Arena.

The Magic had a 12-point lead after three quarters, but were outscored 31-14 in the final period.

Despite the loss, this was probably a game the Magic feel pretty good about. They were without Al Harrington (knee), Quentin Richardson (stomach flu), Ish Smith (shoulder), Arron Afflalo (hamstring), Christian Eyenga (hamstring) and Moe Harkless (sports hernia). Plus, the starters played pretty well. Several of the players who contributed to the blown lead likely won't be on the opening night roster.

E'Twaun Moore, who was playing point guard due to the absence of Smith, finished with 16 points and seven assists. Despite the more-than-solid numbers, the Magic weren't able to get into much of a flow with Moore running the offense down the stretch.

Gustavo Ayon, a native of Mexico, had 12 points, six rebounds and three assists while receiving loud ovations throughout the game. Ryan Anderson, who was dealt in exchange for Ayon as part of a sign-and-trade in the offseason, had six points and eight rebounds, but was just one-of-11 from the field.

Brian Roberts led the Hornets with 17 points off of the bench. Rookies Anthony Davis (eight points, eight rebounds, two blocks) and Austin Rivers (10 points on two-of-six shooting) made their NBA debuts.

The Magic will be back in action Thursday night when they host the Philadelphia 76ers.

Magic Lead Hornets 46-31 At The Half

The Orlando Magic raced out to a 10-0 lead and haven't looked back, taking a 46-31 over the New Orleans Hornets into the break.

The Magic made it a point to get the ball to Mexican-born Gustavo Ayon in the post. Ayon rewarded the Magic by scoring six points on three-of-five shooting. Ayon's backup, Nikola Vucevic, had two points and a game-high eight rebounds.

J.J. Redick and Glen Davis each scored seven points to lead the Magic.

Former Magic forward Ryan Anderson, who was acquired by the Hornets in a sign-and-trade this offseason, had six points and five rebounds, but went just one-of-nine from the field.

Both Anthony Davis, the #1 pick in the 2012 draft, and Austin Rivers made their NBA debuts. Davis had six points and seven rebounds while Rivers scored three points.

Justin Harper, Josh McRoberts and Kyle O'Quinn are the only active Magic players who have not seen the court.

The Orlando Magic Open The Preseason With The New Orleans Hornets Sunday

The Magic will open up the preseason against the Hornets.