The New York Knicks fell to 0-3 on the season after a 111-102 loss to the Orlando Magic, becoming the first defending champion to open a campaign 0-3 since the 2011-12 Dallas Mavericks. Jalen Brunson led New York with 28 points but shot 12-of-28 and missed six of seven 3-point attempts. The Knicks blew a 10-point lead with 9:20 remaining, surrendering 40 fourth-quarter points. Coach Mike Brown noted a lack of crispness and physicality, stating the team "is not quite there yet." Franz Wagner scored 23 points for Orlando. Brunson acknowledged the pressure, saying "everything falls on my shoulders," and the team must improve the little things to regain their earlier form.
The Knicks enter play winless, ranking 29th in offensive efficiency. They struggled from long range, shooting 23.7% from deep. The undefeated Detroit Pistons visit Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
"Games like this will tell us, our crap stinks," Brown said. "And we're the only ones who can do anything about it."
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing