The New York Knicks triumphed over the Orlando Magic with a score of 121-106 on Tuesday, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. The victory was bolstered by Karl-Anthony Towns, who contributed 23 points and 15 rebounds, alongside Jalen Brunson, who added 21 points. This win allowed the Knicks to finish a perfect 4-0 in East Group A, setting them up to host the Atlanta Hawks on December 11. The Magic, with a record of 3-1, advanced as a wild card and will face the Milwaukee Bucks next.
The Knicks’ performance was a well-rounded effort, with all five starters scoring in double figures. Mikal Bridges scored 19 points, while OG Anunoby added 16 points, and Deuce McBride came off the bench to contribute 18 points. Notably, Josh Hart also had a significant night with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Orlando showcased their talents, too, with Franz Wagner leading the way with 30 points and Moritz Wagner scoring 20 points off the bench. Despite the loss, the Magic had their impressive six-game winning streak snapped, but they will look forward to future matchups, including a rematch against the Knicks on January 6.
In a captivating game, the Knicks built a solid lead, heading into halftime with a 71-51 advantage. In a key moment, they led by as much as 31 points going into the fourth quarter, although Orlando rallied by outscoring New York 31-15 in the final period, showcasing their competitive spirit.
A remarkable statistic for the Magic is that they have now made at least one three-pointer in 1,398 consecutive games, extending their place in the record books with the fifth-longest streak in NBA history.
The Knicks’ seamless performance illustrates their growing synergy and confidence heading into the next stage of the tournament, while the Magic remain a formidable team despite the setback. Both teams have bright prospects ahead, and fans can look forward to continued exciting basketball in the upcoming matches.