Brunson's 40-Point Eruption Powers Knicks Past Magic into NBA Cup Final

Read Time:2 Minute, 33 Second

LAS VEGAS, NV — The New York Knicks secured their spot in the 2025 NBA Cup Final after an electrifying offensive performance led by an unstoppable Jalen Brunson, defeating the resilient Orlando Magic 132-120 in the Eastern Conference Semifinal on Saturday night.

The victory, New York’s fifth straight and ninth in their last ten games, showcased the firepower and focused execution that have made them one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous teams.

The Brunson & Suggs Duel

The game began with a sensational point guard shootout that saw both Jalen Brunson and Orlando’s Jalen Suggs putting on a scoring masterclass.

First Half Fireworks: The two guards dueled to a near-historic mark, with both players scoring 25 points in the first half alone. The Magic, despite playing without their leading scorer, the injured Franz Wagner, used Suggs’s outburst and an aggressive defensive start to take a $36-33$ lead after the first quarter.
Knicks’ Response: A fiery timeout speech from Knicks Coach Mike Brown after the Magic’s physical opening jolted New York back into form. They dominated the second quarter, outscoring Orlando $38-28$ , and took a $71-64$ lead into the break.

Knicks’ Trio Pulls Away in the Second Half

While the Magic briefly tied the game after halftime, the Knicks’ superior offensive depth and efficiency proved too much, especially as Orlando dealt with more injury concerns.

Brunson Finishes the Job: Brunson did not slow down, finishing with a season-high 40 points on an incredibly efficient $16$ -of- $27$ shooting, while also dishing out eight assists. His scoring late in the third quarter—including a signature step-back three that left a defender stranded—created the crucial separation.
The Supporting Stars: The Knicks received outstanding support from their frontcourt, which overwhelmed the Magic’s defense:
Karl-Anthony Towns added $29$ points.
OG Anunoby provided $24$ points.
The Decisive Run: With the score tied $92-92$ late in the third quarter, the Knicks turned up the defensive pressure and went on a decisive $10-0$ run extending into the fourth, creating a $102-92$ lead that Orlando could never fully erase.

Magic Falter Amidst Injuries

The Magic’s spirited run in the tournament ultimately fell short, plagued by the absence of Wagner and a tough break for their top performer.

Suggs’s Exit: After his incredible first-half performance, Suggs was held to just one point in the second half. He was clearly hampered by an apparent left hip injury and departed the game early in the fourth quarter, removing their primary offensive engine. He finished with a team-high $26$ points.
Banchero and Bane: Paolo Banchero battled hard with $25$ points, and Desmond Bane chipped in $18$ points, but the team’s 4 $46\%$ field goal percentage and $31\%$ three-point shooting could not keep pace with the Knicks’ scorching $60.7\%$ shooting from the floor.

The Knicks now head to the NBA Cup Final on Tuesday, December 16, where they will face the San Antonio Spurs, who delivered a massive upset over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Semifinal.