In a typical Eastern Conference match with two eye-catching teams, it was Orlando who took over New York after a tough fight, carried by their Wagner-Banchero pair (32 and 29 points).
The Magic imposed its rhythm and intensity to take the best from the start, relying in particular on Jalen Suggs, a good passage from Goga Bitadze then two baskets from Paolo Banchero (21-12). The Knicks were able to count on an inspired Julius Randle with 16 points in the first quarter to get back into the game. It was Immanuel Quickley who put NYC in front with a 3-point counter-attack at the end of a first quarter concluded by a new mid-distance basket from Julius Randle (26-29).
Orlando quickly got back on track, going 13-1 to create a new gap. The opportunity for Paolo Banchero to show off 3-pointers, while the Suggs-Wagner pair then brought the score to 44-33. With Franz Wagner still as lively, the Magic was able to preserve this gap until the break, concluded by a lay-up at the buzzer from the German winger (55-44).
Up to 20 points difference…
The Floridians quickly hit the nail on the head after returning from the locker room thanks to their iron defense and the tenacity of the Wagner-Banchero-Bitatdze trio to pass an 11-2 and relegate New York to 20 lengths (66-46). The alley-oop between Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black, Paolo Banchero's 2+1 and Jalen Suggs' 3-pointer preserved a 12-point gap in Orlando until the start of the fourth quarter, despite two baskets distance from Immanuel Quickley and Josh Hart at the end of the period (86-74).
With the help of his brother Moritz, Franz Wagner then pulled out all the stops with a big heat marked by two 3-pointers and a hook on the head of Julius Randle (99-86). Despite the Knicks' return to -6 in the final (103-97), Orlando was able to hold on, thanks to the defense of the Suggs-Bitadze tandem and the composure of the Wagner Banchero pair, until the winning basket scored by Jalen Suggs with 36 seconds left to allow the Magic to win 117-108.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Knicks asphyxiated in the first half. The New Yorkers were unable to respond to the aggressiveness of the locals and their iron defense. So much so that two minutes before halftime, the Knicks had still only scored 34 points! All evening, Tom Thibodeau's men searched for their rhythm, which resulted in great moments of suffering in attack.
– The Wagner brothers’ construction site in the last act. Franz and Moritz Wagner pulled out all the stops in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of the Magic's first 17 points in the period to protect the Floridians from a Knicks comeback in the final. We will particularly remember the 2+1 from Moritz but especially the two 3-point baskets from Franz, including a step-back against Julius Randle.
– Two decisive counterattacks. The Magic once again escaped thanks to their defense at the very end of the match, when Goga Bitadze then Jalen Suggs appeared on the counter in front of Jalen Brunson to put an end to New York's momentum. Two actions which led to a dunk from the Georgian and a free throw from Paolo Banchero and offered a precious breath of fresh air at the best moment to Jamahl Mosley's troops.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
