Magic Beats Knicks Behind Stifling Defense
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is back on top after a 117-108 win against the New York Knicks on Friday night at the Kia Center. It's the first win for the Magic at home since the arena changed its name on Dec. 20.
The Magic led by as much as 20 points, but the Knicks were able to stay in the game behind a strong defensive showing of their own. New York cut the deficit to as few as five points, but Orlando pieced together some sound possessions to ice the game.
The Orlando victory wouldn't have happened if the Magic defense didn't return to form like it was earlier in the season. Orlando held New York to 44.2 percent shooting from the field and just 20 percent from downtown.
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Offensively, the team also got a boost from Franz Wagner, who scored a season-high 32 points on an efficient 11 of 19 from the field. Reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero also shined, adding 29 of his own to the scoreboard.
It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for the Magic though, as Wendell Carter Jr. was a last-minute scratch from the lineup with knee tendinitis. Goga Bitadze started in his place and scored 13 points, while grabbing seven rebounds.
The Magic now hits the road for a four-game trip that begins on Sunday against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
