Knicks, Magic Meet in NBA Cup Semifinal Amid Growing Tension
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The New York Knicks will take on the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup semifinals on Dec. 12, 2025, a matchup both organizations believe is sowing the seeds of a new rivalry.
The winner of the single-elimination game will move on to the tournament final, adding higher stakes to a pairing that has already generated noticeable competitive heat this season. Players and coaches on each side have acknowledged that recent encounters have carried extra intensity, setting the stage for what could become a long-term battle between the two Eastern Conference teams.
The semifinal clash is part of the NBA’s in-season Cup, introduced to create playoff-style urgency before the traditional postseason. With the Knicks and Magic now only one victory away from the championship game, the budding animosity is expected to be on full display when the teams meet.
Source: New York Post
