The Orlando Magic defeated the New York Knicks 111-102 on Sunday night, October 25, 2026, at Madison Square Garden, delivering a crucial victory despite missing star forward Paolo Banchero. Franz Wagner produced a spectacular fourth-quarter performance, scoring 23 points overall as Orlando rallied to hand the defending NBA champions their third consecutive loss to begin the season.
The Magic vs Knicks matchup featured a dramatic comeback, with Orlando overcoming an early 12-point deficit before dominating the final quarter. The victory gave the Magic their first win of the season under head coach Sean Sweeney, while the Knicks dropped to an 0-3 record.
Magic vs Knicks Score and Game Recap
The Orlando Magic secured a 111-102 win over the New York Knicks after outscoring their opponents 40-27 in the fourth quarter. New York initially looked in control, opening the contest with a 12-0 run and maintaining its advantage for much of the game.
However, Orlando refused to give up. After trailing 86-76 with 9:20 remaining, the Magic mounted an impressive comeback led by Wagner. His scoring helped fuel an 11-0 run that gave Orlando its first lead at 87-86 with 7:25 left.
The Magic continued to build momentum down the stretch, outscoring New York 35-16 over the final nine-plus minutes. The Knicks struggled with turnovers, committing eight of their 14 giveaways in the fourth quarter, allowing Orlando to take control.
The Knicks vs Magic contest was especially important for Orlando because the team entered the game without Banchero, who is expected to miss several weeks with a high ankle sprain.
Franz Wagner Delivers a Huge Fourth Quarter
Franz Wagner was the standout performer in the Magic – Knicks game, overcoming a difficult shooting start to lead Orlando to victory.
The forward began the night by making just one of his first 10 field-goal attempts. He recovered in spectacular fashion, scoring 21 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter while contributing 13 rebounds and nine assists.
Wagner’s performance demonstrated his importance to the Orlando Magic, particularly with Banchero sidelined. He took responsibility for the offense when the team needed a scoring spark and helped turn a double-digit deficit into a valuable road victory.
With Banchero expected to remain unavailable for several weeks, Wagner will likely continue to play a leading role in Orlando’s offense.
Orlando Magic vs Knicks Match Player Stats
The Orlando Magic vs Knicks match player stats highlighted Wagner’s all-around contribution and New York’s strong individual performances that ultimately were not enough to secure a win.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franz Wagner | Orlando Magic | 23 | 13 | 9 |
| Anthony Black | Orlando Magic | 18 | — | 5 |
| Tristan da Silva | Orlando Magic | 19 | — | — |
| Jalen Brunson | New York Knicks | 28 | — | — |
| Karl-Anthony Towns | New York Knicks | 22 | 14 | — |
| OG Anunoby | New York Knicks | 22 | — | — |
Wagner nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing one assist short. Anthony Black added 18 points and five assists in his season debut after missing Orlando’s first two games with an ankle injury.
Tristan da Silva also made a significant contribution off the bench, scoring 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including five three-pointers.
For New York, Brunson led all players with 28 points. Towns posted a double-double with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Anunoby scored 22 points and added 10 in the fourth quarter.
Despite those efforts, the Knicks could not contain Orlando’s late offensive surge.
Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva Boost Orlando
Anthony Black’s return provided an important lift for the Magic. After missing the opening two games because of an ankle sprain, Black delivered 18 points and five assists, giving Orlando another reliable offensive option.
His three-point shooting helped the Magic stay competitive as they attempted to recover from their early deficit.
Da Silva also bounced back after a difficult shooting performance against Minnesota. He finished with 19 points and connected on five of his nine attempts from beyond the arc.
Their contributions proved especially valuable because Orlando was already missing Banchero and later lost Jalen Suggs to a knee injury during the fourth quarter.
Why the Knicks Lost to the Magic
The Knicks had several opportunities to put the game away but could not maintain their advantage in the final period.
New York led by 10 points with less than 10 minutes remaining. However, Orlando’s increased offensive pressure exposed problems with the Knicks’ ball security and defensive execution.
The Knicks committed 14 turnovers overall, with eight coming in the fourth quarter. Those mistakes disrupted their offense and gave Orlando opportunities to complete the comeback.
Although Brunson, Towns and Anunoby combined for 72 points, New York struggled to slow Wagner when the game reached its decisive stage.
The loss was particularly disappointing because the Knicks entered the season as defending NBA champions. They became the first defending champion to begin a season 0-3 since the 2011-12 Dallas Mavericks.
Knicks Record After the Loss
The latest result leaves the New York Knicks with an 0-3 record, while the Orlando Magic improved to 1-2.
| Team | Final Score | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | 111 | 1-2 |
| New York Knicks | 102 | 0-3 |
The Magic will look to build on this victory as they continue their road trip. The Knicks, meanwhile, will need to respond quickly to avoid extending their difficult start.
Orlando is scheduled to visit the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, while New York will host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.
Magic vs Knicks Where to Watch
Fans searching for Magic vs Knicks where to watch information can use official NBA broadcast listings and streaming services to check availability in their region.
For the completed October 25 matchup, viewers can consult the following sources for the game recap and statistics:
- ESPN: Game recap, box score, play-by-play and team statistics.
- NBA official website: Game information, schedules and league coverage.
- Local sports broadcasters: Regional coverage and replay availability, depending on location.
Those looking for where to watch Orlando Magic vs Knicks replays should check their local NBA broadcast provider or an authorized streaming service. Availability may vary by country and subscription.
What Is Next for Orlando and New York?
The Orlando Magic will aim to carry their comeback momentum into Wednesday’s game against Toronto. Wagner’s ability to lead the offense without Banchero offers encouragement, while Black’s return gives the team another scoring option.
Orlando will also monitor Suggs following the knee injury he suffered during the fourth quarter against New York.
The Knicks have less time to regroup before hosting Detroit on Tuesday. Brunson and Towns remain key offensive pieces, but the team must improve its late-game execution and reduce turnovers if it wants to secure its first win.
Final Takeaway
The Magic vs Knicks game delivered one of Orlando’s most encouraging performances of the early season. Franz Wagner’s 23 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists powered a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, while Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva provided crucial support.
For New York, the 111-102 defeat extended its losing streak to three games and left the defending champions searching for answers. The result gives Orlando an important confidence boost and places additional pressure on the Knicks to turn their season around.
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