The New York Knicks faced a disheartening defeat at Madison Square Garden, succumbing to the Orlando Magic 103-94, marking their third consecutive loss. This comes on the heels of prior setbacks against NBA heavyweights, including the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and the fast-paced Chicago Bulls. The Knicks were notably without All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns, who aggravated a knee injury, and sixth man Miles McBride, absent due to a hamstring strain.

Despite the Magic missing key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, they managed to outplay the Knicks. The Knicks took an early lead but faltered in the second half once again, continuing a troubling trend. Their bench struggles were a significant factor, with the Magic's reserves outscoring New York's 48-18, further highlighting the Knicks' reliance on their top players.