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Three Takeaways From Knicks' Frustrating Loss to Magic

The New York Knicks struggled badly against the Orlando Magic. Here are three key takeaways from a disappointing night.
Jayesh Pagar|
Nov 7, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball from Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) in the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nov 7, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball from Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) in the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

The New York Knicks suffered a humiliating 133-121 defeat to the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center, a loss that stings far beyond the final score. New York fell apart defensively and never recovered after an early injury to Landry Shamet, who was carted off with a right shoulder injury just three minutes into the game after colliding with Wendell Carter Jr.'s screen.

Franz Wagner was playing an exceptional game against the Knicks, adding 37 points on 68% shooting, while Desmond Bane contributed 27 points, and Jalen Suggs added 26.

Despite Jalen Brunson's 33 points and Karl-Anthony Towns' 24, the Knicks couldn't contain Orlando's offensive firepower and watched their four-game winning streak evaporate.

Defensive Collapse Was Inexcusable

The Knicks' defense was nowhere to be found against Orlando's balanced attack. Wagner shredded New York's schemes all night, shooting an efficient 13-for-19 from the field while getting to the free-throw line seven times.

Mitchell Robinson picked up early foul trouble and struggled to protect the rim, allowing easy buckets inside. The Knicks allowed Orlando to shoot 55% from the field and 39% from three-point range, numbers that won't win games at any level.

Shamet Injury Derailed Early Momentum

Shamet
Nov 7, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet (44) reacts after an injury against the Orlando Magic in the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Losing Shamet in the opening minutes proved devastating for the Knicks' rotation. The veteran guard had been on a scorching stretch, including a 36-point explosion against Miami just days earlier.

His absence forced to lean heavily on Jordan Clarkson and Josh Hart, who couldn't replicate Shamet's hot shooting. The injury occurred when Shamet ran into Carter's screen while defending Jalen Suggs, and he immediately clutched his right shoulder, the same one he dislocated during the 2024 preseason.

Watching Shamet walk off holding his arm was a gut-wrenching moment that seemed to deflate the Knicks' energy.​​

Bench Provided Zero Spark

New York's second unit was thoroughly outplayed, failing to generate any momentum when the starters rested. Jordan Clarkson scored just 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting but was a minus-11, while Tyler Kolek and Mohamed Diawara provided minimal offensive impact.

The Magic's bench, led by Anthony Black's all-around performance, consistently punished the Knicks' reserves. Guerschon Yabusele managed only four points, and the Knicks were outscored significantly when Brunson sat. This loss exposed serious depth concerns that could haunt New York moving forward, especially with Shamet's status now uncertain and Miles McBride's health questionable due to illness.​​

The Knicks must regroup quickly before facing the Brooklyn Nets in their next crucial matchup.

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Jayesh Pagar
JAYESH PAGAR

Jayesh Pagar is currently pursuing Sports Journalism from the London School of Journalism and brings four years of experience in sports media coverage. He has contributed extensively to NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football content.

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