The Orlando Magic took down the New York Knicks for a 100-91 win at the Amway Center In Orlando. The Magic’s smothering defense limited the Knicks to 24% field goal percentage in the first half, and just 37% overall for the game.
The game also was the return of former Magic players Kyle O’Quinn and Aaron Afflalo as well as the debut of Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis ( 8 points, 6 blocks), who’s last trip to Orlando was for a pre-draft workout. The combination of Porzingis, who is surprisingly skilled shooter and shot blocker, and Robin Lopez proved difficult for the Magic to penetrate inside.
Orlando made a lineup change to try to stir thing up in the locker room. It was a much needed shake up after poor performances vs Sacramento and Cleveland recently. Magic head coach Scott Skyles pulled guard Victor Oladipo from the starting line up and had him come off of the bench. By Starting Elfrid Payton, Evan Fournier, Tobias Harris, Nikola Vucevic, and Channing Frye, the Magic moved Fournier and Harris to their natural shooting guard and small forward positions. Both had strong games (ex: Harris 17 points, 10 rebounds). The Magic got strong performances from all over tonight, with three players, Harris, Peyton(12 points, 11 assists and six rebounds), and Vuchevic (22 points and 12 rebounds), making double-doubles on the stat sheet tonight.
Oladipo played with renewed energy and edge tonight, attacking the Knicks defense and scoring a season high 24 points and driving 13 free throws.
Carmelo Anthony had his usual strong showing with 28 pts 13 rebounds, Jose Calderon scored 25 its as well as hitting 4 three point shots for the Knocks. But when you fall to crack above 40% in shooting, it was too little to have much of an effect.
The Magic next play Friday night against Milwaukee at the Amway Center in Orlando.
