The Lead
Paolo Banchero posted 21 points, Cole Anthony scored 18, and Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner, who left early with a sprained left ankle, each had 16, as the Orlando Magic held off the New York Knicks for a 111-106 victory on Thursday night at Amway Center.
Clutch Moments
After a Julius Randle AND-1 pulled New York within two with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Orlando reclaimed momentum by making five of their next six floor shots. Gary Harris, Carter and Banchero each made 3-pointers during that stretch, while Anthony knocked down a mid-range pull-up. Markelle Fultz and Banchero each sank a pair at the free throw line in the closing seconds to seal it.
Key Stats
The Magic made 13 of their 32 3-pointers (40.6 percent). It was their second straight game shooting over 40 percent from downtown. While they did heat up in the second half, the Knicks shot just 31.9 percent from the field prior to intermission. Orlando led by as many as 19 in the first half.
Injury Report
Franz Wagner exited early in the fourth quarter with a left ankle sprain. Out from the jump for the Magic were Jalen Suggs (concussion) and Jonathan Isaac (left adductor surgery). Jalen Brunson (hand) and Duane Washington Jr. (hip) were unavailable for the Knicks.
In the News
The Magic inducted Dennis Scott into their Hall of Fame on Thursday. He’s now the 12th member of this exclusive group. Drafted fourth overall by the Magic in the 1990 NBA Draft, Scott averaged 14.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists across his seven seasons in Orlando. He’s the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-pointers made with 981 of them.
Earlier in the day, the Magic signed Chris Nikic to be an honorary member of the team. An Orlando native, Nikic was the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon. In the last two years, AdventHealth has teamed up with Nikic to support his training, championing whole-person health in body, mind, and spirit.
Quote of the Day
“I think it just shows you that life is about what you make of it. Understanding that everybody goes through things, but you can always push through and find a way to have fun and enjoy life. To see somebody so happy, and has accomplished so much, and so confident going through his each and every day, it’s definitely motivation for me to keep going.” – Fultz on Nikic and his inspiring story
This Day in History
Thursday’s game marked the third time the Magic and Knicks squared off on a March 23. Those other two meetings, however, were played at Madison Square Garden. The Magic prevailed in both, including in 2009 when Dwight Howard recorded 29 points and 14 rebounds and Courtney Lee scored 22, including the game-icing free throws with 2.2 seconds left. Nate Robinson led the Knicks with 19 points, while Quentin Richardson, now a member of the Magic’s broadcast crew, scored 17.
Rivals Report
The Knicks have been a nice story this season, but can they win a playoff series? That they couldn’t do two years ago when they surprised us all by climbing up to the fourth seed in the East. If the regular season ended today, New York would play Cleveland in the first round. That feels like a matchup that could go the distance and be an absolute slugfest.
Up Next
The Magic’s three-game homestand concludes Sunday at 6 p.m. when they host the Brooklyn Nets. This will be the second of three meetings this season between them, with the Nets winning the first contest at Barclays Center on Nov. 28. Kevin Durant, now a member of the Suns following that blockbuster trade at the deadline, erupted for 45 points in that Brooklyn victory. Banchero and Bol Bol each scored 24 for the Magic, who had only nine available players because of injuries.
