The Orlando Magic’s offense goes cold in their home loss to the New York Knicks

ORLANDO, Fla. – For the Orlando Magic, the formula on offense is often simple: create opportunities with the defense and then capitalize on them.

The Magic did that on Sunday night by limiting the visiting New York Knicks to just 45.8 percent shooting from the field and forcing 18 turnovers. Seven steals and eleven blocks also helped their cause.

However, the Magic’s offensive opportunity utilization and shooting technique did not complement their efforts and they lost to the Knicks 100:91.

The loss was Orlando’s first at the Kia Center this year – the team entered the night as the last undefeated NBA team at home – and ended a 17-game winning streak at its home stadium.

The Knicks also went 2-0 this season, which is significant given the two teams’ positioning in the East standings.

If the opportunity had been offered to hold New York to 75 points after three quarters, the Orlando Magic would have accepted without hesitation.

Considering the last time these two teams met, it was the same Knicks top-three offense that won the Dec. 3 match without much resistance against the Magic’s top-three defense. The Knicks established a rhythm, then nullified the Magic’s ability to do the same, and the contest was over after three quarters.

A different story played out Sunday night at the Kia Center, as the Magic got the stops and turnovers more consistent with their true identity.

But as many lifelines as the Orlando defense provided, the Magic offense’s conversion rate wasn’t enough to pull off a win.

Moe Wagner’s season-high 32 points led Orlando’s scoring output, and rookie winger Tristan da Silva scored 20 points, a new career high.

However, they were the only double-digit scorers for an Orlando team that shot just 42.4 percent from the field.

Jalen Brunson led New York’s quartet of double-digit scorers with 31 points. When he reached the free throw line several times down the stretch, a clearly divided crowd showered him with chants of “MVP.”

Jonathan Isaac returned after a three-game absence due to a right hamstring problem and played 15 minutes, scoring three points with just one shot attempt.

This was the third game for Orlando without All-Star Paolo Banchero and star frontcourt partner Franz Wagner – both were sidelined with a torn right oblique. Substitute Gary Harris missed his ninth straight game with a left hamstring strain.

The Magic will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Orlando for the first time this season in the second game of their seven-game homestand. The Kia Center tipoff occurs at 7:00 p.m. ET on TNT.

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