#1
#1 out of 1
sports19h ago
How Magic plan to shut down Jalen Brunson in key area during NBA Cup semis
Nypost.com and 1 more
- Brunson's status for the NBA Cup semifinal against Orlando remains uncertain due to an apparent illness, prompting day-to-day evaluation ahead of the late-week game in Las Vegas.
- Ownership of the illness history suggests Brunson has competed through similar ailments before, indicating a possible Saturday return if evaluated as day-to-day.
- Knicks face a Magic backcourt that emphasizes pressuring Brunson, with Orlando's defense aiming to disrupt his rhythm and reduce clean looks.
- Orlando's plan centers on relentless pressure from Suggs and the backcourt to keep Brunson out of rhythm in a neutral-site showdown.
- The semifinal at a neutral Las Vegas venue is treated as a high-stakes test, closely mirroring playoff environments with amplified pressure and focus.
- Both teams view Brunson as the focal point, with Orlando trying to deny him clear looks while New York relies on his scoring to carry offense in a do-or-die Cup setting.
- Orlando aims to repeat earlier success by exploiting Brunson's tendencies, seeking a fourth straight tough matchup against him this season.
- Injury concerns extend beyond Brunson, as the Knicks list other rotation players as questionable or out, affecting rotation depth for the semifinal.
- The Magic also cope with injuries, notably Franz Wagner's absence and Moritz Wagner's ACL, while Paolo Banchero's return comes with a minutes restriction.
- Overall strategy for the semifinal centers on executing physical defense, denying clean looks, and managing Brunson's rhythm to tilt the contest in Las Vegas.
Vote 1