Bobcats beat Magic 106-100 to end 5-game skid

Three days after getting flicked aside in a 27-point loss against Indiana, the Bobcats got 25 points from Kemba Walker and Gerald Henderson added 17 as they broke out of a five-game losing streak with a 106-100 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

"It was very important to us," Henderson said. "A lot of games recently we put ourselves in the hole to start the game and kind of have to climb uphill to try to get a win. It's a tough thing."

The Bobcats evened the season series with the Magic and now return home for four consecutive games, beginning with Sacramento on Saturday.

Charlotte started fast and shot the ball well throughout, with its field goal percentage hovering above 50 percent for most of the night. The Bobcats also shot 17 more free throws than Orlando, including some crucial ones in the final minute to secure the victory.

Their guard play off the bench was also big, with Ramon Sessions leading all reserves with 15 points and seven assists. The Bobcats also finished with just 11 turnovers.

"Perhaps maybe we're not turning it over because some of the guys are being a little more responsible with the ball," Charlotte coach Mike Dunlap said. "And I think that also, as you're playing through some things, it is the only way you can win on the road is if you take care of the ball."

Arron Afflalo led Orlando with 23 points, followed by Jameer Nelson with 22.

Orlando has lost its last six games against teams with records below .500. Charlotte also became the ninth Magic opponent in 11 games to score at least 100 points.

The Magic seemed to be making some progress following their convincing win over Indiana on Wednesday, when they got production from both the perimeter and inside.

That flow was missing Friday, with Orlando racking up 15 turnovers and 28 fouls.

"They got off to a start that we didn't anticipate — a 28- and 29-point first quarter," Magic coach Jacque Vaughn said. "There are no off days."