The Orlando Magic defeated the New York Knicks 111-102 on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Madison Square Garden, led by Franz Wagner’s 23 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists. Orlando outscored New York 40-27 in the fourth quarter to secure its first win of the season.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter: Knicks Establish an Early Lead
New York opened with a 28-21 first quarter, building a seven-point advantage at home. The Knicks produced their highest-scoring quarter of the evening while limiting Orlando to its lowest-scoring period.
Second Quarter: Orlando Narrows the Gap
The Magic outscored the Knicks 27-24 in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to 52-48 at halftime. New York remained in front, but Orlando had reduced the opening-period gap by three points.
Third Quarter: Four-Point Margin Holds
Both teams scored 23 points in the third quarter, leaving the Knicks ahead 75-71 entering the fourth. After three periods, New York had maintained its lead but had not created additional separation.
Fourth Quarter: Magic Take Control
Orlando delivered the decisive period, outscoring New York 40-27 to turn a four-point deficit into a nine-point victory. The Magic scored more than a third of their total points in the final quarter and completed the comeback in regulation.
Key Performers
- Franz Wagner, Orlando: Wagner led the Magic in points, rebounds and assists with 23, 13 and nine, respectively. He finished one assist short of a triple-double.
- Jalen Brunson, New York: Brunson led all scorers with 28 points, providing the Knicks’ highest individual scoring total.
- Karl-Anthony Towns, New York: Towns recorded a double-double with 22 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
- Tyler Kolek, New York: Kolek led the Knicks with nine assists, matching Wagner’s total.
NerdSports Stat: Both teams made exactly 38 field goals and 17 free throws. Orlando’s nine additional 3-pointers accounted for the entire nine-point final margin.
Game Analysis: Three-Point Efficiency Makes the Difference
Orlando’s perimeter shooting provided the clearest statistical separation. The Magic made 18 of 42 attempts from beyond the arc, shooting 42.9%, while New York finished 9-for-38, or 23.7%. Orlando doubled the Knicks’ made 3-pointers on just four additional attempts.
Overall, the Magic shot 43.2% from the field compared with New York’s 40.9%. The Knicks attempted five more field goals, but both teams finished with 38 makes. Orlando’s greater proportion of 3-pointers made those baskets more valuable.
The Magic also held advantages in rebounds, 49-45, and assists, 29-26. Wagner’s contributions across all three major counting categories gave Orlando a versatile centerpiece, while the fourth-quarter scoring swing ultimately decided a game New York led at every earlier quarter break.
Free-throw accuracy differed, but production at the line was equal. Orlando went 17-for-21, or 81.0%, and New York finished 17-for-24, or 70.8%.
Closing Context: Orlando Earns Its First Win
The Magic improved to 1-2 overall and 1-0 on the road, while the Knicks fell to 0-3 overall and 0-2 at home. New York next hosts the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, October 27, at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Orlando returns home to face the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, October 28, at 4:30 p.m. PDT, looking to build on its first victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Orlando Magic defeated the New York Knicks 111-102 on October 25, 2026.
Jalen Brunson scored 28 points. His individual shooting percentage was not included in the supplied game statistics.
After the win, the Orlando Magic sit 1-2 in the Eastern Conference.
Franz Wagner was the standout performer with 23 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists.