New York, NY – The Orlando Magic (0-4) lost to the New York Knicks (2-1) at The Mecca, Madison Square Garden last night.
2022 Number one draft pick Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 21 points, followed by Bol-Bol with 19 points. It was a career high for Bol.
New York seemed to have an edge on the your magic, playing more aggressively and keeping it;’s offense moving and getting streaks in the paint when needed. The Knicks outscored the Magic 56-43 in the paint, and dominated with crisp passing and ball movement to get easy inside shots.
The highlight , as has been so far this season, was the play of Banchero, who’s aggressive play and shooting proved difficult for the Knicks to cover.
Orlando, using th starting lineup of ColeAnthony, Terrance Ross Franz Wagner, Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr, are still missing key players due to injury.
Orlando’s starting point guard Jalen Suggs is out with a sprained right ankle, suffered in the game against Atlanta last Friday, and Markelle Fultz is still nursing a broken toe, the Magic are short handed at the point guard position, which is effecting ball movement at times.
“I would have liked to have seen the ball move more.” Said Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosely. “We had a lot of good shots that didn’t drop, and guys were waiting on the shots to drop instead of getting back quickly and seeing up on defense.
“This is a process and I’d going to takes time. Paolo’s maturity and basketball knowledge is there. He will get better and better ass the season moves along.”
Bol Bol used is ball handling ability and agility of score career high 19 points on Monday. Bol went 8 of 10 from the filed with 5 rebounds and 4 blocked shots.
Bol managed to cause some havoc with this blocks, but when New York big man Mitchell Robinson wanted to be in a space, Bol could not match up with his bulk and box him out.
New York managed to handle the boards on the boards with Mitchell and Julius Randle giving the Knicks a 50-41 advantage on the boards.
The Magic next head dover to Cleveland, Oh to face Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
