NEW YORK — The Orlando Magic, bolstered by the return of several key players, snapped their three-game losing streak with a 98-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday. Star forward Paolo Banchero played a pivotal role, scoring crucial points in the final quarter to seal the win for Orlando.
Banchero finished with 20 points, while Cole Anthony added 15, including 10 in the fourth quarter, helping the Magic overcome an 11-point deficit in the third quarter. The Magic’s comeback was ignited midway through the final period, culminating in Anthony tipping in a missed shot to take the lead at 90-89 with just under four minutes to play.
Wendell Carter Jr., returning from a five-game absence due to right knee tendinitis, contributed significantly off the bench with 17 points. Chuma Okeke also had a notable performance, scoring 15 points.
The Magic’s bench strength was evident with the availability of Markelle Fultz, Joe Ingles, and Jonathan Isaac, all of whom have missed games recently. Coach Jamahl Mosley praised their defensive efforts, highlighting the impact of the returning players.
For the Knicks, Deuce McBride stepped up in the absence of Jalen Brunson, who is out with a bruised left calf, scoring a career-high 20 points. OG Anunoby added 17 points, but the Knicks struggled offensively, with Julius Randle only managing 15 points on 5 for 18 shooting.
The Knicks’ offensive woes were a focal point of the game, with Randle describing the team’s play as too stagnant. Despite leading 52-50 at halftime, the Knicks struggled with their shooting, finishing under 40% from the field and only 68.2% from the free-throw line.
Donte DiVincenzo also contributed 15 points for New York, which has now lost on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the third consecutive year, dropping their holiday record to 23-15.
The Knicks had been playing more road games than home games leading up to this match but are now looking at a more favorable schedule with a four-game homestand and seven consecutive games in New York, including six at Madison Square Garden.
Looking Ahead:
The Magic will next face the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, while the Knicks host the Houston Rockets on the same day, hoping to bounce back from this setback.
