Game 3 Recap: 0-3 Start.
The Knicks entered the fourth quarter with a double-digit lead and a chance to finally get their first win of the season, but they completely unraveled down the stretch. New York led 86-76 with just over nine minutes left before the Magic ripped off a decisive run and outscored them 40-27 in the period to steal a 111-102 victory at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson (28 points), Karl-Anthony Towns (22 points, 14 rebounds), and OG Anunoby (22 points) all did their part, but the Knicks shot just 9-of-38 from three and couldn’t close.
Mikal Bridges continued his rough start to the season with another quiet, inefficient night. He finished with only 6 points on 3-of-7 shooting (0-of-3 from deep) in 35 minutes, offering little scoring punch or consistent impact on either end. His struggles were especially noticeable as the Knicks needed secondary scoring while their lead evaporated.
Franz Wagner was the difference-maker, exploding for 21 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter while also posting 13 rebounds and 9 assists. The Magic also got far more from their bench, as Anthony Black (18 points) and Tristan da Silva (19 points) combined for 37 points off the bench. New York’s reserves, meanwhile, contributed almost nothing offensively, leaving the starters to carry an unsustainable load in a game that slipped away late.
Up Next
The Knicks return home Tuesday night to face the Detroit Pistons (3-0). New York will look to snap its 0-3 start against Detroit at Madison Square Garden (8 p.m. ET, MSG).