Tonight at the Kia Center, Jalen Suggs led the Orlando Magic (19-14) with surprising shots in the first half, while the New York Knicks (21-10), despite unconventional shots and turnovers, managed to tie the game at 54 at halftime equalize points. After halftime, however, the Knicks held the Magic to just 31 points in the second half and went on to win the game 108-85 after finally finding their footing late in the third quarter. This is the second time this season that they have held an opponent to such paltry numbers (Pels, December 1).

The win was New York’s third over the Magic this month. Today’s game was probably the ugliest of all. New York attempted a season-low 15 three-pointers, missed 10 of its season-high 34 free throws and committed 19 turnovers (Orlando coughed up 17). Josh Hart almost single-handedly led the team to victory, recording a season-high 23-13 double-double. He also collected two steals, two blocks and about twelve bruises inflicted by Orlando.

Jalen Brunson led New York in scoring with 26 points and nine assists, shooting 11 of 21 from the field. Karl-Anthony Towns had four fouls in his 34 minutes and had a quiet night with 16 points and eight rebounds. Mikal Bridges rounded out the top five points, scoring 17 points in 44 minutes, while OG Anunoby scored eight points in 28 minutes.

Jamahl Mosley deserves your attention Coach of the Year. His bandaged band of ragamuffins scratch and claw every night. Jalen Suggs, playing for the second straight game, led the team with 27 points on 10 of 20 shooting and was whistled for five of many personal fouls. This team with Paolo Banchero and the Wagner brothers is going to be trouble.

First half

Jalen Suggs scored all of Orlando’s first eight points. He and Goga Bitadze were the only Disney starters to score in the first quarter, scoring 11 points each. The other three starters – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Tristan de Silva and Anthony Black – couldn’t provide much support, combining to shoot 0 of 6 from the field in Q1. However, off their bench, Jonathan Isaac contributed seven points and three goals in his first five minutes.

The Knicks quickly fell behind 16-8, but fought back and tied the game with a 10-2 run. Four turnovers didn’t help and the guests closed the first frame with a 29:26 lead.

At the start of the second quarter, Landry Shamet came into the game. He immediately tied the game with a corner bomb and shortly afterwards scored with a layup. Between Landry, Deuce, Precious and Cam, the Knicks bench scored 18 points tonight.

In the first half, Suggs carried the Floridians with improbable shooting (7 of 14 FG, 4 of 5 3PT) and 18 points. He also elbowed Karl-Anthony Towns in the jaw, adding a technical foul to his three contacts. Very physical game, folks. In the first half, New York lost the boards 17:14, but won 30:22. The Knicks missed four straight free throws and hit just 2 of 6 from downtown.

Jalen Brunson had seven assists and 14 points, the only Knick to reach double figures so far. Halftime score: 54 each.

Second half

Due to nine turnovers and missed additional free throws in the third quarter, New York was only able to take control of the game late in the game. Jalen Suggs managed to kick Jalen Brunson in the jewels without a whistle, but his wrecking ball play earned him five fouls by the middle of the quarter. While he sat out, the home team missed eight straight shots and the Knicks went on a 16-2 run to take and extend the lead. New York held the Magic to 14 points in the third quarter and was ahead 76-68 early in the fourth quarter.

In the final frame, the ‘Bockers had the magic on the ropes, steadily using body punches to take a lead by 15, then 18 and finally 22. Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson left tire tracks everywhere for the home team, which was eliminated by players who could and managed just five points in the final four and a half minutes. In fact, Orlando only scored 31 points in the second half. Yikes.

Next

New York flies up the coast to take on the Wizards of Washington tomorrow night. Bon voyage, Knickerbockers.

Box score