The New York Knicks cruised past the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, claiming a 121-106 victory that secured their place in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Powered by strong performances from Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson, the Knicks wrapped up a flawless 4-0 run in East Group A and set their sights on a Dec. 11 showdown with Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Magic, despite the loss, eked out a spot as the Eastern Conference wild card and will face Milwaukee.
Knicks Start Fast, Never Look Back
New York came out firing, building a 36-26 lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the advantage had ballooned to 71-51, thanks to a combination of efficient shooting and suffocating defense. Karl-Anthony Towns led the charge with 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 21 points.
The Knicks stretched the lead to as much as 31 points by the third quarter, putting Orlando on the brink of elimination. It was only in the fourth that the Magic clawed back, outscoring New York 31-15, ensuring their own advancement via tiebreaker.
The Magic needed to avoid losing by more than 37 points to qualify, a narrow margin that kept fans on edge despite the lopsided scoreline.
Contributions Across the Board for New York
The Knicks displayed impressive depth and balance, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Mikal Bridges contributed 19 points, while OG Anunoby chipped in with 16. Josh Hart had a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Deuce McBride provided a spark off the bench with 18 points. The win marked New York’s third consecutive victory and their eighth in the last ten games.
For Towns, the performance was another demonstration of his ability to control the paint. His rebounding presence set the tone early, while Brunson orchestrated the offense with poise and precision.
Franz Wagner Shines in Defeat
Orlando’s Franz Wagner continued his stellar season, pouring in 30 points to lead all scorers. Moritz Wagner added 20 off the bench, providing a crucial boost for a Magic team that had entered the night riding a six-game winning streak. However, New York’s stifling defense, particularly in the first three quarters, proved too much for Orlando to overcome.
The loss brought an end to a successful five-day New York swing for the Magic, during which they defeated Brooklyn twice. Despite Tuesday’s setback, the Magic remain optimistic heading into their matchup with the Bucks.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- The Knicks’ Formidable Form: New York’s current three-game winning streak has solidified their status as a top contender in the East. With home-court advantage against Atlanta, the Knicks are well-positioned to advance further in the NBA Cup.
- Magic’s Resilience: Orlando demonstrated their grit, bouncing back in the fourth quarter to ensure they remained in the competition. However, the loss highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that will need addressing against Milwaukee.
- Bench Impact: Deuce McBride’s 18 points for the Knicks underscored the importance of depth. Meanwhile, Moritz Wagner’s contributions off the bench for Orlando kept the game competitive, even as the starters struggled.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Both teams now pivot to their next challenges in the NBA Cup:
- Knicks: New York will host the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 11, seeking to extend their strong form and capitalize on home-court advantage.
- Magic: Orlando faces a tough road game against Milwaukee, where limiting mistakes and containing the Bucks’ stars will be critical for advancing further.
For the Magic, Tuesday’s game served as a reminder of the razor-thin margins that define postseason basketball. For the Knicks, it was a statement victory that showcased their growing chemistry and firepower. As the NBA Cup heats up, both teams will be looking to make their mark on this inaugural tournament.
