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25 Facts About NYK Vs. ORL

Hilde Shrader

Written by Hilde Shrader

Published: 05 Jan 2026

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Source: Nba.com

Are you ready for some exciting basketball action? The New York Knicks (NYK) and the Orlando Magic (ORL) have a rich history filled with thrilling games, unforgettable moments, and intense rivalries. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, there's always something new to learn about these two iconic teams. From legendary players to record-breaking performances, the Knicks and Magic have provided basketball enthusiasts with countless reasons to cheer. In this blog post, we'll dive into 25 fascinating facts about NYK vs. ORL that will not only boost your knowledge but also make you the go-to person for all things Knicks and Magic. Buckle up, basketball fans!

Table of Contents
01NYK vs. ORL: A Historic Rivalry
02Memorable Moments
03Player Performances
04Team Stats
05Coaching Battles
06Final Thoughts on NYK vs. ORL

NYK vs. ORL: A Historic Rivalry

The New York Knicks (NYK) and the Orlando Magic (ORL) have a storied history in the NBA. Their matchups have produced some memorable moments and fascinating stats. Here are some intriguing facts about this rivalry.

  1. The Knicks and Magic first faced off on November 4, 1989. The Knicks won 118-113.

  2. Patrick Ewing, a Knicks legend, scored 37 points in that inaugural game against the Magic.

  3. The Magic's first win against the Knicks came on January 6, 1990, with a score of 121-109.

  4. Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, played his first game against the Knicks on November 7, 1992. He scored 29 points.

  5. The Knicks and Magic have met in the playoffs twice, in 1995 and 1999. The Knicks won both series.

Memorable Moments

Certain games between the Knicks and Magic stand out for their drama and excitement. Here are some unforgettable moments.

  1. On March 23, 1995, Shaquille O'Neal scored a career-high 53 points against the Knicks.

  2. The Knicks' Allan Houston hit a game-winning shot against the Magic on April 30, 1999, during the first round of the playoffs.

  3. Tracy McGrady scored 46 points for the Magic in a game against the Knicks on March 8, 2003.

  4. On December 2, 2009, the Magic set a franchise record with 17 three-pointers in a game against the Knicks.

  5. Carmelo Anthony scored 39 points for the Knicks in a thrilling overtime win against the Magic on January 30, 2013.

Player Performances

Individual performances often define the rivalry between the Knicks and Magic. Here are some standout player achievements.

  1. Patrick Ewing averaged 22.8 points per game against the Magic during his career.

  2. Shaquille O'Neal averaged 26.3 points per game against the Knicks while playing for the Magic.

  3. Tracy McGrady averaged 28.4 points per game against the Knicks during his time with the Magic.

  4. Carmelo Anthony averaged 24.6 points per game against the Magic as a Knick.

  5. Dwight Howard, another dominant center, averaged 18.2 points and 13.1 rebounds per game against the Knicks.

Team Stats

Team statistics provide a broader view of the Knicks vs. Magic rivalry. Here are some key stats.

  1. The Knicks have a winning record against the Magic, with 61 wins and 55 losses as of 2023.

  2. The Magic have outscored the Knicks in total points, with 11,234 points to the Knicks' 11,198.

  3. The Knicks' longest winning streak against the Magic is 10 games, from 1993 to 1995.

  4. The Magic's longest winning streak against the Knicks is 7 games, from 2010 to 2012.

  5. The highest-scoring game between the two teams occurred on February 22, 1995, with a combined score of 263 points. The Magic won 135-128.

Coaching Battles

Coaches play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of games. Here are some coaching facts related to the Knicks and Magic.

  1. Pat Riley, a legendary coach, led the Knicks to their first playoff series win against the Magic in 1995.

  2. Doc Rivers, who later became a renowned coach, played for the Knicks from 1992 to 1994.

  3. Jeff Van Gundy, known for his defensive strategies, coached the Knicks during their 1999 playoff series win against the Magic.

  4. Stan Van Gundy, Jeff's brother, coached the Magic from 2007 to 2012 and led them to multiple wins against the Knicks.

  5. Tom Thibodeau, the current Knicks coach, has a winning record against the Magic since taking over in 2020.

Final Thoughts on NYK vs. ORL

The Knicks and Magic have a rich history filled with memorable moments. From intense playoff battles to standout performances, these teams have given fans plenty to cheer about. The Knicks, with their storied past and passionate fanbase, always bring excitement to the court. Meanwhile, the Magic, known for their resilience and young talent, continue to build a promising future.

Understanding the key facts about these teams not only enhances your appreciation of the game but also deepens your connection to the sport. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan or rooting for the Magic, knowing the history, standout players, and significant games adds another layer to your basketball experience.

So, next time you watch a Knicks vs. Magic game, remember these facts. They might just make the game a bit more interesting. Enjoy the game!

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