Knicks and Magic: A Rising Rivalry
LAS VEGAS — Rivalries typically develop during playoff seasons, but this might be the start of something between the Knicks and the Magic.
The NBA Cup semifinal game on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena marks their fourth meeting just 25 games into the season.
New York won the last match-up, and if they can secure a victory this time, they’ll level the series at 2-2 — though the pressure of possible elimination makes this one particularly important.
Currently, the Knicks and Magic are positioned second and fourth in the Eastern Conference, with a two-and-a-half game gap separating them.
“They definitely know who we are, and we know who they are,” Knicks coach Mike Brown remarked after practice on Friday.
Magic’s standout player, Paolo Banchero, echoed these sentiments: “It’s a team we’ve faced three times already. They know us well. We know them well.”
But it’s not just familiarity or the unusual circumstances of the season that make this encounter noteworthy. It’s their style of play that lays the groundwork for this budding rivalry.
The Magic pride themselves on their physicality, having defeated the Knicks in their initial two encounters. However, New York demonstrated resilience in their last face-off. Injuries have impacted player availability in all three games, with key players like Jalen Brunson and Paolo Banchero missing out at various times.
“Yeah, they’re really physical,” Brunson noted. “That’s a credit to their coach, [Jamahl Mosley]. Their approach makes them successful, and we need to be ready to respond.”
Desmond Bane added, “Our aim is to be the most physical team every night, on both ends. That’s typically how we secure wins.”
The intensity can sometimes lead to confrontations. In the last game, Bane threw the ball aggressively to OG Anunoby, who wasn’t on the field, prompting a shove back and some verbal exchanges. Bane received a technical foul and was fined for the incident.
This matchup presents an intriguing contrast: physicality and force versus skill and finesse. While the Magic embrace a bully-like persona, that’s not really how the Knicks are viewed.
So, in aiming to match their opponent’s intensity, it’s vital for the Knicks to remain true to their own identity.
“There are various ways to counter that — being physical is one, but I’d also emphasize space and quick transitions,” Brunson suggested. “Regardless of their style, we need to focus on playing our game to the best of our ability.”
Last year, the Pistons became a rival in a heated first-round playoff series. While this rivalry with the Magic hasn’t reached such heights yet, the NBA Cup offers a glimpse of elimination stakes.
“These are two quality teams in the Eastern Conference that could accomplish a lot,” Bane commented. “When another team interferes with your goals, it becomes a special situation.”
Looking beyond the NBA Cup, both teams are on the radar as potential playoff contenders in the East — the Knicks are aiming for the Finals, and the Magic could be a considerable challenge.
“They’re a good team,” Banchero stated. “We’ve taken two games, they’ve taken one, and they’re at the top of the East. I’m eager to see them throughout the season.”
Playoff matchups may be a ways off, but tensions between these two could rise significantly on Saturday.
