NBA — New York, noon local time. Third (and last?) match of the season between the Knicks and Magic.
It’s noon in New York, an unusual time, and Madison Square Garden hosts the third (and perhaps final) matchup of the season between the Knicks and Magic. Orlando had won the first two with relative ease, but this time the teammates of Jalen Brunson (30 points, 9 assists) and OG Anunoby (21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals) did not falter in front of their fans. Without Karl-Anthony Towns, Brunson knows he is at the center of attention and does not hold back: in the first quarter he scores 16 points and 5 assists, leading the 15-4 break that reverses the aggressive start of the Magic, also cooled by the – potentially serious – injury of Franz Wagner. New York thus overcomes the timid start and imposes its own pace, closing the first period with confidence.
With Brunson sitting, the Knicks slow down offensively and Orlando doesn’t take full advantage of it: the two teams exchange blows, but the activity of the Jalen Suggs-Anthony Black duo puts the Magic back ahead right before the break (55-54). After a very lively start, the match gradually lost intensity, with both defenses more attentive on the passing lines. Possession management becomes central and New York struggles to find the same fluidity without its point guard, while Orlando tries to capitalize with penetrations and second opportunities. However, the race remains in balance, preparing for a tactical recovery.
At the start of the third quarter, the Knicks made it 13-0 and kept Orlando scoreless for almost four minutes, flying away in the score. Despite the return of Brunson, Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane find their hand again: their 9-0 limit the damage for the Magic. Josh Hart increases his shots and, thanks to his energy and the physical presence of the entire team near the rim, the margin for New York remains comfortable (82-73). The Knicks bench responds with impact, consolidating control of the scoreboards and the pace.
Orlando starts again too softly in the last quarter and a further 7-0 complicates the comeback attempt. The frustration emerges: the scene of Desmond Bane throwing a ball at OG Anunoby for no reason is emblematic, an episode that ends up charging the Knicks winger. In the shadow of Brunson, Anunoby finds the last break that definitively directs the match: New York closes 106-100. Final note on injuries: Miles McBride and Jalen Suggs are injured, both with knee problems, a variable to be monitored in the next few hours.
