Overview
- Orlando shot 33 free throws to New York's 23 as the Knicks committed 25 personal fouls, with Brown noting six of the Magic's first eight points came at the line and that he could not use a challenge because of the fouling.
- Brown said players spent the first half blaming referees instead of owning mistakes, calling the team the 'culprits' for what unfolded on the floor.
- New York's ongoing perimeter issue persisted, with opponents averaging 15.2 made threes entering Thursday, and Magic guard Anthony Black said the plan was to target those openings and shoot confidently.
- Brown's stance marked a contrast with predecessor Tom Thibodeau, who often criticized officiating rather than publicly calling out his team.
- Looking ahead to Friday at Madison Square Garden, the Heat were reported to be without Bam Adebayo due to a left big toe sprain, with Tyler Herro still sidelined following left foot surgery.