Orlando, Fla.— On Friday night, Franz Wagner scored 32 points with nine rebounds, while Paolo Banchero put up 29 points, with 10 rebounds. the combine 61 points was enough to lead the Orlando Magic(19-12) to a 117-108 win over the New York Knicks(17-14).

Julius Randle scored 38 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and contributed 6 assists for the Knicks, as they managed to make some shots fall during a frantic fourth-quarter comeback

Jalen Brunson scored 20 points, dished out eight assists, and successfully made all 12 of his free throws for the Knicks. However, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau believes he should have had more opportunities at the free-throw line. Brunson had no interest in discussing call sor non-calls.

“What this guy is going through is ridiculous,” Thibodeau said. “He gets hammered time and time again and I’m sick and tired of it. No one drives the ball more to the rim than this guy does, and if you rake across his arm and hit him on the head, those are fouls.”

In the second quarter, the Knicks struggled with their shooting, missing 13 out of 15 shots and committing five turnovers. Wagner and Banchero spearheaded an 18-4 run for the Magic, and Wagner capped off the first half with a layup, giving Orlando a 55-44 lead.

“The shots weren’t falling, but with that being said it was a winnable game,” Brunson said.

Banchero pushed the Magic’s lead to 20 midway through the third quarter w a lay up, and that proved to be just out of reach for the Knicks. At the end of it all, it was just the little things. The Knicks lead the league in rebounds, but were out hustled Friday evening. 40-49 rebounds in favor of the Magic. If you are losing at what you are best at, you can’t win games. Period.

Up next the Knicks are at Indiana to face the Pacers Saturday evening. For the latest on the NBA and a the New York Knicks, follow @vinquezada1 on X.

#NBA #NewYorkForever #MagicTogether

By Vincent Quezada

Photo Credit: AP/ John Raoux

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