Magic Beats Knicks Behind Stifling Defense

The New York Knicks came in with a fight at the end, but the Orlando Magic prevailed behind a strong defensive showing.

Jeremy Brener | Dec 29, 2023

Magic Beats Knicks Behind Stifling Defense /

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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is back on top after a 117-108 win against the New York Knicks on Friday night at the Kia Center. It's the first win for the Magic at home since the arena changed its name on Dec. 20.

The Magic led by as much as 20 points, but the Knicks were able to stay in the game behind a strong defensive showing of their own. New York cut the deficit to as few as five points, but Orlando pieced together some sound possessions to ice the game.

The Orlando victory wouldn't have happened if the Magic defense didn't return to form like it was earlier in the season. Orlando held New York to 44.2 percent shooting from the field and just 20 percent from downtown.

Anthony Black Jalen Brunson Knicks — Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Offensively, the team also got a boost from Franz Wagner, who scored a season-high 32 points on an efficient 11 of 19 from the field. Reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero also shined, adding 29 of his own to the scoreboard.

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It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for the Magic though, as Wendell Carter Jr. was a last-minute scratch from the lineup with knee tendinitis. Goga Bitadze started in his place and scored 13 points, while grabbing seven rebounds.

The Magic now hits the road for a four-game trip that begins on Sunday against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

Published Dec 29, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.