Magic Hand Knicks Heartbreaking Loss

Before heading into the All-Star Break, the Magic handed the Knicks a heartbreaking Valentine's Day loss.

ORLANDO - It was a lovely Valentine's Day for the Orlando Magic, who got back into the win column against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night with a 118-100 win.

After a heartbreaking loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Shaquille O'Neal's jersey retirement night, Orlando was locked in for the team's final game before the All-Star break. 

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson had a strong scoring output against the Orlando Magic despite his team dealing with injuries / USA Today Sports

New York got off to an early lead in the first half, leading by 12 at one point, but in the second quarter, the tides would change to favor the Magic as the team went on a 17-0 run to give the team a 44-39 lead. 

A large part of how the team pulled itself out of that hole to take a 65-55 lead into halftime was thanks to the contributions of Paolo Banchero. In the first half, Orlando's first-time All-Star shot 9-10 from the field, and his 22 points were tied for the game-high alongside Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson.

With about five minutes remaining in the game and leading by over 20 points, the Magic pulled Banchero, who finished the night with 36 points, seven rebounds, and five assists compared to Brunson's 33 points, one rebound, and six assists. 

Magic Success 'All Starts With Paolo', Says Shaq

Now, the team will go on a break until Feb. 22, when it begins a three-game road stretch against the Cleveland Cavaliers (35-17) before eventually returning to the Kia Center on Feb. 27.

Although Orlando will now be on All-Star break, Magic fans can still get their fix of watching the team by tuning in to the Skills Competition this Saturday to watch Banchero compete before his first All-Star game on Sunday.