Orlando Magic’s NBA Cup Aspirations Dashed by Jalen Brunson’s Dominance
The Orlando Magic’s journey in the NBA Cup came to a disappointing halt in Las Vegas, as they fell to the New York Knicks, 132-120, during the semifinal showdown at T-Mobile Arena. With aspirations of clinching the tournament title, the Magic entered the game brimming with confidence, only to have their hopes thwarted by a resilient Knicks squad.
Early Momentum Shifts
The Magic started strong, holding a narrow three-point lead at the end of the first quarter. However, New York quickly shifted the momentum, outscoring Orlando to take a seven-point advantage into halftime. Jalen Suggs emerged as a standout for the Magic, lighting up the scoreboard with 25 points in the first half on an impressive 10-of-15 shooting. He was matched shot-for-shot by Knicks’ star Jalen Brunson, who also netted 25 points before the break.
Unfortunately for Orlando, Suggs’s performance took a turn in the second half. He was forced to leave the game due to a hip injury in the fourth quarter, a significant blow to the Magic’s offensive strategy.
Brunson’s Masterclass
As the second half unfolded, the Knicks seized control of the game. Brunson, showcasing his scoring prowess, finished with a remarkable 40 points, leading all scorers. His ability to find gaps in the Magic’s defense was a key factor in New York’s success. Supporting Brunson’s efforts were Carl Anthony Towns, who contributed 27 points, and OG Anunoby, who added 21. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart chipped in with 14 and 12 points, respectively, solidifying the Knicks’ dominant performance.
For the Magic, Suggs ended the night with 26 points, while former No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero tallied 22. Desmond Bane contributed 18 points, Wendell Carter Jr. added 14, and Anthony Black rounded out the scoring with 12.
A Disheartening Setback
This loss marks a particularly tough moment for the Magic, who entered the tournament undefeated. It was the furthest the team had advanced in the in-season competition during its three-year existence, but ultimately it fell short of their championship aspirations.
As the Magic return home to regroup, their focus will shift to the regular season. They are set to face Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, kicking off a challenging four-game road trip. Fans can catch the action at 9 p.m. ET on FanDuel Sports Network or stream it via NBA Week Pass. The defeat in Las Vegas may sting, but it also serves as a learning experience as they look to build on their progress moving forward.
