Key Takeaways:
- Jalen Brunson delivered 30 points and nine assists as the Knicks overcame the Magic 106-100 on Sunday
- Josh Hart added a crucial 17 points and 12 rebounds, while OG Anunoby posted 21 points and seven boards
- Franz Wagner exited in the first quarter with a lower left leg injury and will be re-evaluated before Orlando’s NBA Cup quarterfinal against Miami on Tuesday
Game Analysis: Knicks Secure Crucial Home Victory
Jalen Brunson led the charge for the New York Knicks with a 30-point, nine-assist performance, propelling his team to a 106-100 triumph over the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Josh Hart contributed a double-double, recording 17 points and securing 12 rebounds. OG Anunoby added to the Knicks’ efforts by delivering 21 points and pulling down seven rebounds, while Mikal Bridges chipped in with 12 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
SAY GO NEW YORK GO NEW YORK GO pic.twitter.com/No8MCP5D85
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 7, 2025
The Knicks, now standing at 16-7, have extended their formidable home record to 13-1. This result marks their first victory over the Magic in three encounters this season, despite missing centre Karl-Anthony Towns due to left calf tightness.
Magic Forced to Adjust After Wagner Injury
Orlando, who dropped to 14-10, saw Desmond Bane score 16 points and collect six rebounds, with Anthony Black supplying 14 points and 11 rebounds. However, their bid was hindered early as star forward Franz Wagner sustained a lower left leg injury in the first quarter. Wagner, leading Orlando with an average of 23.4 points per game, managed seven points in as many minutes before landing awkwardly after being fouled by Knicks centre Ariel Hukporti while attempting a dunk.
Wagner immediately reached for the area below his knee and required assistance to leave the court. The Magic announced that Wagner would be re-evaluated after returning to Orlando in advance of their NBA Cup quarterfinal against Miami on Tuesday.
Turning Points and Key Sequences
Despite trailing by a single point at halftime, the Knicks asserted themselves in the third quarter, opening with a 13-0 surge. Brunson accounted for six of his 10 third-quarter points during this decisive run, as New York outscored Orlando 28-18 in the period. The Knicks maintained their momentum, launching a 7-0 run at the start of the fourth quarter to go ahead 89-73.
A flashpoint occurred in the fourth quarter when Desmond Bane threw the ball at OG Anunoby’s back as Anunoby was out of bounds, in an effort to preserve possession for Orlando. The incident earned Bane a technical foul.
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Notable Absences / Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks | 106 | 52 | 24 | Karl-Anthony Towns (left calf tightness) |
| Orlando Magic | 100 | 48 | 23 | Franz Wagner (lower left leg injury) |
Upcoming Fixtures
- The Magic will host Miami on Tuesday in the NBA Cup quarterfinals
- The Knicks will travel to Toronto on Tuesday for their NBA Cup quarterfinal match
