Jalen Brunson poured in a season-high 40 points, leading the New York Knicks to a 132-120 win over the Orlando Magic on Saturday and securing a spot in the NBA Cup final.
A Record-Setting Performance
Brunson’s night was a showcase of consistency and clutch play. He finished with eight assists and 16 of 27 field-goal attempts, including a decisive 3-pointer in the third quarter after Anthony Black stumbled on the floor. The 40 points were the fourth straight 30-point outing for Brunson, underscoring his pivotal role in New York’s recent success.
The Knicks’ Dominance
New York’s victory was part of a streak that has seen the team win five games in a row and nine of their last ten. With the win, the Knicks are set to face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night in the championship game. Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points for the Magic, while OG Anunoby scored 24 for the Knicks.
Magic’s Early Surge
Jalen Suggs began the game in blistering form, scoring 25 of his 26 points in the first half before leaving the floor in the fourth quarter with a sore left hip. Paolo Banchero also contributed 25 points, and Desmond Bane added 18 for the Magic. Despite Suggs’ early dominance, he managed only a single point in the second half and exited the game early in the fourth.
Playoff-Like Atmosphere
Both teams played with a physical intensity that felt like a playoff matchup. The Knicks shot an impressive 60.7 percent from the floor and outscored the Magic 70-62 in the paint. The game featured 11 lead changes and 10 ties before New York’s late-third-quarter 10-point run pushed the score to 102-92.
A Historical Moment at Halftime
At the break, Brunson and Suggs were both locked at 25 points, a rare occurrence in the NBA. No regular-season game has produced a 50-point scorer from each team since 2000, making the halftime tally a historical footnote.
Key Player Absences
The Magic were missing Franz Wagner, who is sidelined for several weeks with a high ankle sprain. His absence was felt throughout the game as the team struggled to find its rhythm.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks will travel to face the Spurs in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday night, while the Magic will head to Denver on Thursday for their next matchup.
Key Takeaways
- Jalen Brunson’s 40 points and eight assists secured the Knicks’ place in the NBA Cup final.
- The Knicks’ 60.7 percent shooting and strong paint play were decisive.
- Jalen Suggs’ early 25-point burst was cut short by a sore hip.
- The Magic were without Franz Wagner, who is out with a high ankle sprain.
The Knicks’ win marks a significant milestone in their season, positioning them for a championship showdown against the Spurs. The Magic will regroup as they prepare for their next game in Denver.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
When not tracking a developing story, Morgan enjoys exploring Austin’s neighborhoods, attending local events, and connecting with residents to share the voices and experiences that define the community.
