Franz Wagner Erupts for 21 Fourth Quarter Points as Magic Rally Past Knicks 111-102

Defending NBA Champs Start the Season 0-3

The Orlando Magic erased an early deficit behind a sensational fourth quarter performance from Franz Wagner, defeating the reigning champion New York Knicks 111-102 on Sunday night and handing New York its third consecutive loss to open the NBA season. Wagner scored 21 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, finishing with 13 rebounds and nine assists to lead Orlando’s comeback.

Despite starting 1-for-10 from the field, the forward found his rhythm when the Magic needed him most, helping Orlando overcome a 10 point deficit in the final period and secure its first victory under head coach Sean Sweeney. Anthony Black added 18 points and five assists in his season debut after missing Orlando’s first two games with an ankle injury.

The Magic also received a strong contribution from beyond the arc, shooting 43% from 3-point range to help offset the absence of leading scorer Paolo Banchero. The victory was not without a cost for Orlando, which lost Jalen Suggs to a knee injury in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, the Magic outscored New York 40-27 in the final period to complete an impressive rally.

Wagner Takes Over in the Fourth Quarter

Orlando faced an uphill battle from the opening minutes, falling behind 12-0 as the Knicks looked poised to earn their first victory of the season. The Magic stayed competitive, however, using their outside shooting to remain within striking distance. Tristan da Silva and Black each connected on five 3-pointers, while Desmond Bane went 4-for-9 from beyond the arc.

Their shooting helped Orlando withstand New York’s early momentum and remain within reach heading into the final quarter. The Knicks appeared to be in control when OG Anunoby’s soft floater gave New York an 86-76 lead with 9:20 remaining. Orlando responded with a decisive surge, fueled by Wagner’s scoring and an aggressive approach on both ends of the floor.

Wagner scored nine points during an 11-0 run that gave the Magic their first lead of the night, 87-86, with 7:25 remaining. Orlando continued to build momentum from there, outscoring New York 35-16 over the final nine-plus minutes to complete the comeback. Wagner’s all-around performance proved crucial, as he combined his late scoring explosion with rebounding and playmaking to keep the Magic in control down the stretch.

Knicks Struggle to Close Out Another Loss

Jalen Brunson led New York with 28 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 22 points and 14 rebounds. Anunoby also finished with 22 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, as he attempted to keep the Knicks ahead during Orlando’s late surge. However, New York could not withstand the Magic’s pressure when the game was on the line.

The Knicks committed eight of their 14 turnovers in the fourth quarter, repeatedly giving Orlando opportunities to take control. The defeat dropped New York to 0-3 to begin its title defense, making the Knicks the first reigning NBA champion to lose its first three games of the following season since the 2011-12 Dallas Mavericks. For Orlando, the comeback offered an encouraging sign after a difficult start to the season. The Magic demonstrated resilience despite missing Banchero and losing Suggs during the game, relying on Wagner’s late brilliance and their perimeter shooting to secure the win.

Up Coming NBA Games

The Magic will look to build on their first victory under Sweeney when they visit the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. The Knicks, meanwhile, will try to get their season back on track when they host the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. After three consecutive defeats, New York will be looking to rediscover the form that carried it to an NBA championship last season.