Wagner Ignites in Fourth Quarter as Orlando Magic Hand Champions Knicks Third Straight Loss

Key Takeaways:

• Franz Wagner erupted for 21 of his 23 points in the final quarter and tallied 13 rebounds and nine assists
• Orlando overcame a 12-0 deficit and outscored New York 40-27 in the fourth quarter to secure their first victory under Sean Sweeney
• The Knicks, despite Jalen Brunson’s 28 points, suffered their third straight loss, marking the first 0-3 start by a defending champion since the 2011-12 Dallas Mavericks

Match Analysis

Franz Wagner delivered a sensational fourth quarter, scoring 21 of his total 23 points to propel the Orlando Magic to a 111-102 triumph over the reigning champion New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite starting 1 of 10 from the field, Wagner finished just shy of a triple-double, adding 13 rebounds and nine assists.

Starting the week right! https://t.co/b1K1rapmHe

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 26, 2026

Anthony Black, returning from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the opening two games, contributed 18 points and five assists. The Magic were already missing top scorer Paolo Banchero and faced further adversity when Jalen Suggs exited with a knee injury in the final period. Nonetheless, Orlando surged with a 40-point fourth quarter under new head coach Sean Sweeney, notching their maiden win of the season.

Statistical Highlights

Game Flow and Turning Points

Orlando fell behind 12-0 at the outset but remained competitive, bolstered by strong perimeter shooting – the team converted 43 percent of its three-point attempts. Both Tristan Da Silva and Anthony Black recorded five 3-pointers apiece, while Desmond Bane added four from nine attempts.

The Knicks led 86-76 with 9:20 remaining following an OG Anunoby floater, seemingly poised for a breakthrough victory after their Finals success. However, the Magic retaliated with an 11-0 run, featuring nine points from Wagner, seizing their first lead at 87-86 with 7:25 left. Orlando maintained their momentum, outscoring New York 35-16 in the final nine-plus minutes.

OG Anunoby pushed the Knicks offensively with 10 points in the closing quarter, yet New York were undone by ball security issues, committing eight of their 14 total turnovers during the fourth period.

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