The New York Knicks were looking to build off their win in their last outing tonight as they faced the Orlando Magic. This one was very close throughout until the Knicks found themselves up by 14 points. But in the fourth quarter the Magic would fight all the way back and reclaim the lead. Both teams couldn’t convert on late chances thus leading to overtime. In overtime both teams battled yet again, but like the in regulation both teams would end the first overtime tied 113-113. But in the second overtime the Magic would take control and win the game. They would finish off the Knicks to earn the 129-121 victory.
Tonight quickly became the Victor Oladipo show. He destroyed the Knicks as he made play after play. Late in the game he took over giving the Magic the win. His effort’s tonight really showed how strong a game he had. Oladipo would finish with 30 points, 14 assists, and nine rebounds. This was one of the best games that he has had all season. As he set a career high for assists in a game with 14. The Magic made a great choice when they picked Oladipo in last year’s draft. Tonight his performance was huge for them.
Despite leaving late in the game, Arron Afflalo had a fantastic game. Afflalo was unstoppable at times as he shot the ball really well tonight. He scored a team high 32 points and used his savvy to get easier baskets. Overall he was another big part of the Magic’s win tonight.
The Knicks are just a mess this season. They have success throughout the game, but always in the end they have mishaps that just give the game away. Tonight they couldn’t play consistent defense late. That would lead to the Magic just breaking down the Knicks and scoring at will.
Carmelo Anthony played his heart out again tonight. In 50 minutes of play, Anthony scored a game high 44 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. This performance would have been very nice in a win, but it didn’t happen. Anthony is just out their wasting his time at this point. Every game he plays his heart out and in the end the team losses. The excuse could be made that he played way too many minutes tonight, but the Knicks led by 14 points in this game. There is no excuse to lose this game tonight. But the Knicks found a way to let the Magic hang around and it cost them.
The defense down the stretch was horrible. The Knicks perimeter defense was non-existent late in the game and that was the real reason why tonight’s game was a loss. Tim Hardaway Jr has played exceptional on offense this season. He has made plays on that end late in games, but his defense in this one was really bad. He was beat and it put the Knicks in horrible positions that either caused fouls or allowed easy inside baskets.
The Knicks have another game tomorrow night against the Atlanta Hawks and they are always a tough challenge. Tonight the Magic put together a great finish. While the Knicks looked miserable. This was a very long and at times pathetic game, but it made for a very nice finish.
Photo Credit: Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images
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