The New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic have officially booked their places in the Emirates NBA Cup Eastern Conference semifinals after delivering decisive performances that underscored why both teams have been dominant forces in this year’s tournament. In a night of contrasting paths but identical ambitions, New York overpowered the Toronto Raptors in Toronto, while Orlando mounted an impressive comeback victory over the Miami Heat to retain their standing as the East’s top seed. Their quarterfinal successes now set the stage for a compelling semifinal meeting in Las Vegas, where both teams will aim to extend their midseason championship aspirations.
The Knicks’ advancement came on the strength of a remarkably balanced performance, headlined by Jalen Brunson, who once again demonstrated why he has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable and dynamic guards. Brunson poured in 35 points, shooting with precision both inside and beyond the arc. His dominance was especially pronounced in the opening quarter, during which he scored 20 points and applied immediate pressure on a reeling Toronto defence. His aggressive scoring opened gaps that enabled the Knicks to dictate the tempo early, while his efficiency ensured New York built a lead they never relinquished.
New York’s success, however, was not carried by Brunson alone. The supporting cast played a pivotal role in sustaining the team’s offensive rhythm throughout the game. Karl-Anthony Towns provided a commanding interior presence, securing 16 rebounds and adding 14 points in a performance that emphasised his versatility and ability to influence both ends of the court. Josh Hart brought energy and scoring from the wing, contributing 21 points, while other notable contributions came from Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Jordan Clarkson, each delivering timely baskets that widened the scoring gap and neutralised Toronto’s intermittent rallies.
The Raptors, though outmatched in several key stretches of the game, were far from passive. Brandon Ingram delivered a standout performance with 31 points, including an emphatic 17 in the first quarter. His early scoring provided Toronto with a brief spark, but the absence of key players due to injuries ultimately proved too steep a hill to climb. Without a fully healthy roster and with the Knicks maintaining steady offensive pressure, the Raptors found themselves unable to sustain momentum long enough to threaten New York’s hold on the game. Their defensive breakdowns in the second quarter, in particular, allowed the Knicks to construct a comfortable lead, one they managed with discipline for the remainder of the contest.
With this victory, the Knicks not only extended their tournament run but also solidified their identity as a cohesive unit capable of both explosive offence and gritty defensive stretches. Their ability to spread scoring across the roster has made them difficult for opponents to scheme against, and their recent performances suggest they are peaking at the right moment. As they prepare for the semifinal stage, the team’s confidence is visibly growing, fuelled by consistent displays of synergy and composure.
On the other side of the bracket, the Orlando Magic showcased their signature resilience in an impressive comeback win against the Miami Heat. The Magic entered the quarterfinals as the East’s No. 1 seed after executing one of the tournament’s most convincing group-stage campaigns. Yet their matchup against Miami did not begin as planned. The Heat exploded out of the gate, going on a dominant 17–2 run that immediately put Orlando on the defensive. Miami’s high-energy opening quarter created what appeared to be a comfortable cushion, and the Magic had to dig deep to prevent the game from slipping away.
But Orlando has demonstrated time and again this season that early adversity does not derail them easily. Once the second quarter began, the Magic tightened their defence, spacing the floor more effectively and chipping away at Miami’s lead. The turning point came during the second half when Desmond Bane, one of the league’s most reliable marksmen, erupted offensively. Bane scored 37 points, including six critical three-pointers, and he delivered 15 of those points in the fourth quarter alone. His late-game takeover was a masterclass in shot creation under pressure, and as Miami struggled to find answers, Orlando’s confidence ballooned with each made basket.
Orlando’s offence was supported by a balanced collective effort. Jalen Suggs added 20 points through aggressive drives and perimeter shooting, while Paolo Banchero contributed 18 points as he navigated double teams and physical battles in the paint. Wendell Carter Jr anchored the interior, recording a double-double that steadied the team’s post defence and provided second-chance opportunities. The Magic’s ability to regroup after their sluggish start and gradually outpace the Heat reflected a level of discipline that has characterised their rise throughout the tournament.
For Miami, the loss was another disappointing chapter in what has become a series of struggles. Despite early brilliance and solid contributions from veteran pieces such as Norman Powell and the returning Tyler Herro, the Heat were unable to sustain the momentum that carried them through the first quarter. Their offensive rhythm faltered as Orlando increased defensive pressure, and their turnover count proved costly in the second half. The defeat extended their losing streak to four games, raising questions about fatigue, lineup chemistry, and overall consistency.
With both the Knicks and the Magic now advancing to the Emirates NBA Cup semifinals, the Eastern Conference will see one of its most intriguing matchups of the season. The contrast in styles, New York’s structured, balanced offence against Orlando’s fluid, resilience-driven approach, sets the stage for a highly competitive encounter. The teams will meet in Las Vegas, where the neutral-site environment and stakes of the midseason tournament elevate every possession and magnify every strategic decision.
The Emirates NBA Cup, now firmly established as a highlight within the regular-season calendar, continues to provide players and fans with meaningful competition and a taste of playoff-level intensity well before spring. With financial incentives and prestige on the line, advancing teams often play with heightened urgency, and the tournament has quickly become a benchmark for measuring midseason form among aspiring contenders.
As the Knicks and Magic prepare for their semifinal meeting, analysts and fans alike are already speculating about the outcome. New York brings depth and scoring balance, while Orlando thrives on tenacity and high-impact shot-making. One team will emerge with a chance to play for the Cup title, but as both teams have demonstrated, neither will relinquish their place in the tournament easily.
