On January 6, 2025, the Orlando Magic showcased their defensive prowess and roster depth to defeat the New York Knicks 103-94 at Madison Square Garden. Despite missing their top four scorers due to injuries, the Magic leaned on standout performances from Cole Anthony and Wendell Carter Jr. to secure the win. The Knicks, meanwhile, dropped their third straight game, struggling offensively without Karl-Anthony Towns. This article dives into the key player stats, standout moments, and what this matchup means for both teams in the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Orlando Magic vs Knicks Match Player Stats
- Sport: Basketball
- League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
- Season: 2024–2025 NBA Regular Season
- Date: January 6, 2025
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Teams: Orlando Magic (Away) vs New York Knicks (Home)
- Final Score: Orlando Magic 103 New York Knicks 94
- Winner: Orlando Magic
Game Recap: Magic Outlast Knicks
The Magic (20-15) overcame their injury setbacks with a balanced attack and suffocating defense, holding the Knicks (18-17) to their lowest point total of the season. Orlando shot an efficient 50.0% from the field and 35.5% from three, while limiting New York to 44.4% and a woeful 18.2% from beyond the arc. Six Magic players scored in double figures, outshining the Knicks’ reliance on Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges. This victory snapped a three-game losing streak against New York in their season series, signaling Orlando’s resurgence.
Orlando Magic: Key Player Stats
Here’s how the Magic’s top performers fueled the win:
- Cole Anthony (Point Guard)
- Stats: 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists
- Shooting: 9-17 FG (52.9%), 3-6 3PT (50.0%)
- Key Moment: Anthony drilled a clutch three-pointer with 4:32 remaining, pushing the lead to 95-85 and effectively icing the game.
- Impact: Leading all scorers with 24 points off the bench, Anthony proved his value as a spark plug for a depleted Magic lineup.
- Wendell Carter Jr. (Center)
- Stats: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks
- Shooting: 7-12 FG (58.3%), 1-3 3PT (33.3%)
- Key Moment: Carter Jr.’s alley-oop dunk in the third quarter capped a 10-2 run, giving Orlando a 72-65 edge.
- Impact: His season-high 19 points off the bench provided a critical boost, blending scoring with stout interior defense.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Shooting Guard)
- Stats: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
- Shooting: 5-10 FG (50.0%), 2-5 3PT (40.0%)
- Key Moment: Back-to-back threes in the second quarter erased an early Knicks lead.
- Impact: Caldwell-Pope’s veteran poise and perimeter shooting stretched New York’s defense thin.
- Franz Wagner (Small Forward)
- Stats: 12 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds
- Shooting: 5-11 FG (45.5%)
- Key Moment: A no-look pass to Carter Jr. for a dunk highlighted his playmaking flair.
- Impact: Wagner’s facilitation kept the offense humming despite a quieter scoring night.
- Paolo Banchero (Power Forward)
- Stats: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists
- Shooting: 4-9 FG (44.4%)
- Key Moment: A putback dunk in the fourth quarter maintained Orlando’s momentum.
- Impact: Hampered by fouls, Banchero still contributed across the board.
New York Knicks: Key Player Stats
The Knicks’ top performers couldn’t overcome their team’s offensive woes:
- Jalen Brunson (Point Guard)
- Stats: 24 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds
- Shooting: 9-20 FG (45.0%), 2-7 3PT (28.6%)
- Key Moment: A step-back three in the third cut the Magic’s lead to 68-65.
- Impact: Brunson’s scoring kept New York in the game, but his inefficiency from deep mirrored the team’s struggles.
- Mikal Bridges (Small Forward)
- Stats: 24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
- Shooting: 10-18 FG (55.6%), 1-5 3PT (20.0%)
- Key Moment: A fast-break dunk in the second quarter gave the Knicks a brief 45-42 lead.
- Impact: Bridges was efficient inside the arc but couldn’t ignite a broader rally.
- Josh Hart (Shooting Guard)
- Stats: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists
- Shooting: 5-12 FG (41.7%)
- Key Moment: An offensive rebound and score in the fourth showed his grit.
- Impact: Hart’s hustle was notable, but his scoring couldn’t turn the tide.
- OG Anunoby (Power Forward)
- Stats: 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
- Shooting: 4-10 FG (40.0%)
- Key Moment: A block on Banchero in the third stymied a Magic fast break.
- Impact: Anunoby’s defense stood out, but his offense was muted.
- Mitchell Robinson (Center)
- Stats: 8 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks
- Shooting: 4-6 FG (66.7%)
- Key Moment: A putback dunk in the first quarter set an early tone.
- Impact: Robinson battled in the paint but couldn’t contain Orlando’s bench surge.
Statistical Highlights
- Shooting Efficiency: The Magic’s 50.0% FG and 35.5% 3PT outclassed the Knicks’ 44.4% FG and 18.2% 3PT.
- Bench Scoring: Orlando’s reserves outscored New York’s 42-28, a decisive edge.
- Free Throws: The Magic went 14-18 (77.8%) from the line, while the Knicks hit 9-11 (81.8%).
- Defense Shines: Orlando’s top-tier defense (ranked 3rd league-wide) held New York to 94 points.
Game Context and Implications
The Magic entered this matchup battered by injuries, yet their depth and defensive identity shone through. Anthony’s scoring outburst and Carter Jr.’s resurgence off the bench signal a team adapting to adversity, bolstering their playoff push. Conversely, the Knicks’ three-game skid—exacerbated by Towns’ absence—exposed a lack of offensive firepower beyond Brunson and Bridges. Their 18.2% three-point shooting was a glaring weakness Orlando exploited.
Historically, the Magic lead the all-time series 68-66, though the Knicks had won three straight prior to this game, including a 108-85 blowout on December 27, 2024. This win flipped the script, giving Orlando momentum in the rivalry.
Why the Magic Won
Orlando’s victory hinged on their defensive tenacity and bench production. Holding the Knicks to under 100 points—a rarity for New York—paired with a 50% field-goal clip proved too much to overcome. The Knicks’ abysmal three-point shooting and lack of depth without Towns sealed their fate.
Conclusion
The Orlando Magic’s 103-94 triumph over the New York Knicks on January 6, 2025, was a showcase of resilience and defensive dominance. Cole Anthony’s 24 points and Wendell Carter Jr.’s 19 off the bench led the charge, while Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges couldn’t lift a slumping Knicks squad. As Orlando climbs the standings and New York searches for answers, this game could define their seasons. For more NBA insights, keep it locked here!
