NEW YORK — With three losses already to the Orlando Magic this season and a playoff meeting potentially ahead, perhaps the New York Knicks were trying to send a statement Friday night.
"You could feel the intensity from the tip from them," Orlando's Paolo Banchero said.
And the Knicks didn't stop until they had turned in the most dominant defensive effort in the NBA this season.
Jalen Brunson scored 26 points in his return from a bruised left knee and the Knicks rode a sizzling start from 3-point range to a 98-74 victory that snapped the Magic's five-game winning streak.