Thumbnail: Gamba The Bard (@GambatheBard on X)
The New York Knicks lost decisively to the Orlando Magic 133-121. The Knicks kept up for a half, but their depleted roster faded while Orlando overwhelmed them.
The teams battled throughout the first half. The Knicks started the night without OG Anunoby and Deuce McBride, then lost Landry Shamet after three minutes. But Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges carried New York’s offense with help from Jordan Clarkson off the bench.
The Knicks led after two quarters and competed for most of the third. But their depleted roster showed when the second unit trickled in. The Magic went on a run that carried from the end of the third quarter through the final buzzer.
It’s fair to mention that injuries have slowed New York’s ability to develop chemistry, but that’s no excuse for concerning patterns that are forming. The Knicks’ three-point defense has become a nightly concern, and they didn’t protect the paint tonight either.
Let’s look at the game through the performances.
