• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

ORLANDO, F.L. – Wednesday night, the New York Knicks came to Orlando looking to rebound from a heartbreaking loss to the Toronto Raptors. New York relinquished a 17 point lead in that loss, and had every reason to be demoralized.

Instead, the Knicks put together one of their most complete performances of the year. New York led most of the way, in a 101-90 win over the Orlando Magic. The win moves New York (25-36) to just four games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The biggest takeaway from this win had to be the complete team effort from New York. The Knicks had five players score in double figures, which took some of the scoring pressure off Carmelo Anthony (17 points). Kristaps Porzingis led Knick scorers with 20 points, and was one rebound shy of a double double. Porzingis did a good job of mixing up attacking the basket, and being a threat on the perimeter.

(Photo Credit: John Raoux, AP) Porzingis led Knick scorers Wednesday night.
(Photo Credit: John Raoux, AP) Porzingis led Knick scorers Wednesday night.

Derrick Rose played another solid game for the Knicks. Rose finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. The penetration from Rose does so much for the Knick offense, and is something that has been crucial when New York has seen success this season.

When the Knicks ran the triangle offense, it looked good. The ball was moving, and players were moving without the ball. This is how New York creates quality shot opportunities. The problem is when Anthony gets the ball in his sweet spot within the offense, and everyone else becomes a spectator.

The Knicks did a good job of playing help defense, which helped hold Orlando to under 100 points. When New York holds teams to under 100 points, they give themselves the best chance to win games. Orlando shot just 20% (5-25) from downtown, which was huge because opponents this season have torched the Knicks from beyond the arc.

New York will look to pick up their third win in the last four games, when they travel to play the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.

(Photo Credit: John Raoux, AP) Holiday has been effective off the bench for New York.
(Photo Credit: John Raoux, AP) Holiday has been effective off the bench for New York.

On The Rise:

  • Justin Holiday was one of the five Knick scorers in double figures. Holiday finished with 14 points, and has been an effective yet erratic scorer off the bench for New York. This is Holiday’s second 14 point game in the last three games.

Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732

(Featured Photo Credit: John Raoux, AP)

 

By Barry Holmes

Graduate of Millersville University, with a BS in Communications focused in Broadcast. Senior Writer & Social Media Manager for PureSportsNY.

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