Orlando Magic Outlast New York Knicks In Eastern Conference Showdown
Who needs a head coach to finish a game? Apparently, not the Orlando Magic. On a night that felt more like a medical drama than a basketball game, the Magic overcame a bizarre halftime coaching exit and a missing superstar to absolutely dismantle the New York Knicks, 133-121. Despite Head Coach Jamahl Mosley leaving at the break with an illness, and All-Star Paolo Banchero already in street clothes, Orlando put on an offensive clinic that left the Knicks’ defense looking for a map.
Magic “Big Three” Take Over
When you hear that the Magic are missing Banchero, you expect the offense to look a little clunky. Instead, Franz Wagner decided to turn into a human torch. Wagner dropped a casual 37 points, slicing through New York’s interior defense like it wasn’t even there. But he didn’t cook alone.
For the first time since 2019, the Magic had three players drop 25 or more points in a single game. Desmond Bane (27 points) and Jalen Suggs (26 points) joined Wagner in the onslaught. The trio combined for 90 points. Suggs was particularly electric, diving for loose balls and hitting shots that had the Kia Center rocking, proving that energy is just as important as execution.
Knicks Defense Collapses Late
The Knicks actually looked competent for about two and a half quarters. Jalen Brunson did his usual heavy lifting, putting up 33 points and trying to will his team to a win. But the wheels fell off in the fourth quarter. And by “fell off,” I mean the wheels disintegrated, the axle snapped, and the engine caught fire.
The Magic shot a blistering 55 percent from the field, including a stretch in the fourth where they were hitting 77 percent of their shots. You can’t win in the NBA when you let the other team treat your paint like a VIP lounge; Orlando outscored New York 64-46 inside.
Injuries certainly played a part for the visitors. Landry Shamet exited early with a shoulder issue after a nasty collision, and Josh Hart eventually fouled out, leaving the Knicks’ rotation thin. But that’s hardly an excuse for letting the Magic bench and acting head coach Joe Prunty run circles around you in crunch time.
Looking Ahead for the Magic
This was a statement win. The Magic (10-7) proved they have serious depth. If they can drop 133 points on a playoff-contender without their best player and their head coach, the rest of the Eastern Conference needs to wake up. They head to Boston next, and if this game was any indication, they aren’t showing up just to participate.
