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30 Facts About Magic Vs. Knicks

Halli Sizemore

Written by Halli Sizemore

Published: 30 Nov 2025

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Source: Nba.com

Who has the edge in the Magic vs. Knicks rivalry? The Magic vs. Knicks rivalry has always been a thrilling matchup in the NBA. Both teams have their unique strengths, passionate fanbases, and storied histories. The Knicks, hailing from New York, bring a legacy of grit and determination, while the Magic, based in Orlando, showcase youthful energy and innovative play. Over the years, these games have featured unforgettable moments, buzzer-beaters, and intense showdowns. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, understanding the dynamics of this rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement. In this post, we'll explore 30 fascinating facts about the Magic vs. Knicks rivalry that highlight why these games are must-watch events.

Table of Contents
01Magic vs. Knicks: A Storied Rivalry
02The Final Buzzer

Magic vs. Knicks: A Storied Rivalry

The Orlando Magic and New York Knicks have a rich history of competition. Their matchups have provided fans with unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and intense rivalries. Here are some fascinating facts about these two teams.

  1. The Orlando Magic joined the NBA in 1989 as an expansion team.
  2. The New York Knicks are one of the oldest teams in the NBA, founded in 1946.
  3. The first game between the Magic and Knicks took place on November 4, 1989.
  4. The Knicks won the inaugural matchup against the Magic with a score of 118-113.
  5. Patrick Ewing, a Knicks legend, scored 32 points in that first game against the Magic.
  6. The Magic's first victory over the Knicks came on December 20, 1989.
  7. Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, was drafted by the Magic in 1992.
  8. Shaq's first game against the Knicks was on November 20, 1992, where he scored 21 points.
  9. The Magic and Knicks faced each other in the 1995 NBA Playoffs.
  10. The Magic won the 1995 playoff series 4-2, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
  11. Penny Hardaway, a Magic star, averaged 18.5 points per game in the 1995 series against the Knicks.
  12. The Knicks' John Starks famously dunked over Horace Grant and Michael Jordan in the 1993 playoffs, but he also had memorable moments against the Magic.
  13. The Magic's Tracy McGrady scored a career-high 62 points against the Washington Wizards, but he also had several 40+ point games against the Knicks.
  14. The Knicks' Allan Houston hit a game-winning shot against the Magic on April 25, 1999.
  15. The Magic's Dwight Howard, known as "Superman," had numerous dominant performances against the Knicks.
  16. Howard once grabbed 26 rebounds in a single game against the Knicks on January 12, 2011.
  17. The Knicks' Carmelo Anthony scored 45 points against the Magic on January 30, 2014.
  18. The Magic's Jameer Nelson hit a buzzer-beater to defeat the Knicks on March 23, 2009.
  19. The Knicks' Amar'e Stoudemire had a streak of nine consecutive 30-point games in 2010, including one against the Magic.
  20. The Magic's Nikola Vucevic recorded a triple-double against the Knicks on April 3, 2019.
  21. The Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis scored a career-high 40 points against the Magic on November 8, 2017.
  22. The Magic's Aaron Gordon is known for his high-flying dunks, including several highlight-reel slams against the Knicks.
  23. The Knicks' Julius Randle had a 30-point, 16-rebound game against the Magic on March 18, 2021.
  24. The Magic's Markelle Fultz recorded his first career triple-double against the Lakers, but he also had strong performances against the Knicks.
  25. The Knicks' RJ Barrett scored 32 points against the Magic on February 26, 2021.
  26. The Magic's Cole Anthony hit a game-winning three-pointer against the Knicks on January 18, 2021.
  27. The Knicks' Mitchell Robinson set a franchise record for field goal percentage in a season, with many of his dunks coming against the Magic.
  28. The Magic's Mo Bamba recorded a career-high 6 blocks in a game against the Knicks on October 24, 2021.
  29. The Knicks' Kemba Walker, before joining the team, had several high-scoring games against the Magic while playing for the Charlotte Hornets.
  30. The Magic and Knicks have a combined total of 4 NBA Finals appearances, with the Knicks winning 2 championships and the Magic still seeking their first title.

The Final Buzzer

Magic vs. Knicks games have always been full of excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. From jaw-dropping plays to intense rivalries, these matchups never disappoint. Both teams have their share of legendary players and memorable games that keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love a good basketball game, knowing these facts adds a layer of appreciation. It’s not just about the scores; it’s about the history, the players, and the passion that make these games special.

So next time you catch a Magic vs. Knicks game, remember the rich history behind it. Enjoy the game, cheer for your team, and appreciate the legacy that continues to grow with every matchup. Basketball isn’t just a sport; it’s a story that keeps unfolding, one game at a time.

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