Jalen Brunson, Knicks Disappoint Fans in Rare Home Loss to Magic amid Banchero Injury
Jalen Brunson dropped 31 points in the New York Knicks' 124–107 loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, as Paolo Banchero exited with an injury in the second quarter.
Brunson led the Knicks with 26 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Franz Wagner paced Orlando with 28 points, nine rebounds and four assists on 10-of-22 shooting. Desmond Bane added 22 points, six rebounds and eight assists, while Banchero contributed four points in 12 minutes before exiting with an injury.
With the win, the Magic improved to 6–6, earning their second straight victory after Bane's game-winning three-pointer lifted them past the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday.
The loss disappointed fans, snapping New York's five-game win streak, dropping the Knicks to 7–4 and ending their perfect home record.
The Magic held a commanding 20-point lead over the Knicks at halftime, paced by 17 points from Wagner, while Bane added 17 and Banchero had a quiet first half with four points. The Knicks' Brunson entered the break with 16 points, while the rest of the starters combined for just 12.
Orlando maintained control entering the fourth quarter with a 91–73 lead and never looked back, closing out the game with a decisive double-digit win to hand the Knicks their first home loss of the season.
The Knicks will open a two-game series Friday when they host the Miami Heat, while the Magic will host the Brooklyn Nets the same night.
