Woe-lando; Brunson-less Knicks Fall to Magic in Cursed Defensive Struggle

Missing Jalen Brunson for the second straight game, the New York Knicks failed to conjure up a victory against the reeling Orlando Magic.

For their next trick, the Orlando Magic made a three-game losing streak disappear.

Despite missing second-leading scorer Franz Wagner, Orlando spoiled the opening stanza of a lengthy New York Knicks homestand with a 98-94 offensively-challenged victory on Monday late afternoon at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks (23-17) once again played without starting point guard Jalen Brunson, who missed his second straight game with a calf bruise.

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Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero was tied for the scoring lead with 20 points and led the Magic back from a five-point deficit entering the final frame. Miles McBride, filling in for the injured Brunson, once again set a career-best in scoring by matching Banchero, but that wasn't enough to overcome a woeful output of 16 in the final period.

With their win, the Magic (22-18) ended a three-game losing streak and also stopped the Knicks' MSG victory tally at four in a row. Orlando has fallen out of the top six in the Eastern Conference with losses in five of their first seven of the new calendar year thanks to several regular contributors landing on the injured list but pressed forward against the Knicks with some emerging from hibernation.

Back on the floor for the first time in five games, Wendell Carter nearly outscored the Knicks' bench on his own 17 points over 19 minutes. Cole Anthony, son of former Knicks star Greg, had 15 while New York's reserves only had 20 total on 7-of-19 shooting (including 2-of-9 from three-point range, the only two hits sunk by Quentin Grimes). 

Set to embark on a lengthy home defense with 13 of their next 14 within the confines of the city (including one "road" game in Brooklyn), the Knicks held a slim but relatively consistent lead over the first three periods. Though Julius Randle struggled from the field (4-of-15 in the first 36), the Knicks mustered a lead heading into the final frame. 

But the Knicks were dealt a taste of their own medicine often administered since OG Anunoby entered the lineup, falling victim to a shutdown defensive effort: New York hit only 6-of-20 only the final dozen, with McBride responsible for half of the conversions (as well as two steals). Even trips to the charity stripe proved costly, 

On the Orlando side, Anthony helped hold down the fort: between 10 points and two assists, rebounds, and steals each in the fourth quarter, Anthony played a role in 17 of the 25 Magic taillies in the final period, helping seal the deal on a 13-1 run that put up a permanent lead. 

Magic Coach: Why Brunson is "A Killer Walking"

Orlando is now halfway complete with its potential first sweep of the Knicks since the 2009-10 campaign. The two teams will square off again on Feb. 14 in Central Florida.

Part two of the Knicks' extended homestand lands on Wednesday night when the Houston Rockets come to visit (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG)