Final Score: New York Knicks 96 Orlando Magic 80
The Knicks, at least for one night, learned their lesson after Tuesday night’s meltdown against the Pacers. Again tonight the Knicks held a 15 point lead going into the 4th quarter; just tonight they were able to hold it down, beating a dysfunctional Magic squad by 16 tonight. The Knicks only added to the problems in Orlando with the beat down they gave the Magic tonight. They increased their lead to 1 ½ games over the idle Milwaukee Bucks and improved to 4-2 without Jeremy Lin and Amar’e Stoudemire. They have also won 10 of 14 games under Mike Woodson and have beaten the Magic in 2 consecutive meetings.
-J.R. Smith responding to Coach Woodson
Tuesday night could not have ended in worse fashion for J.R. Smith, who was ejected after tossing Leandro Barbosa with 4 seconds remaining. Mike Woodson took it upon himself to give Smith a talking to, reminding him that he needs to remain professional on the court even through the tough times.
Smith responded very positively tonight, scoring 15 points to go along with a career high 9 assists. He also shot 3-4 from behind the 3 point line, giving the Knicks the offensive punch they sorely need to go along with Carmelo Anthony, who finished the 19 points and resting the whole 4th quarter.
-Good Point Guard Play
The Knicks got great play from their Point Guards tonight, which is vital to their success. Baron Davis had a great floor game, scoring 5 points to go along with 5 assists and 3 rebounds. Also very important is that Davis got an extended rest tonight, playing only 19 minutes with the Knicks having such a big lead.
With Davis getting to sit so long, that in turn means someone else stepped for the Knicks. Tonight that guy was Toney Douglas who had his best game in what seems like forever. Douglas scored 15 points off the bench for the Knicks, adding 6 assists and 5 rebounds. It was a great coming out party for Douglas as the Knicks are going to need him to step up behind Davis with the injury to Jeremy Lin. Douglas showed great confidence tonight, something he had been lacking and ran the team well when on the court for Davis.
-Outstanding Defensive Effort
The Knicks dominated the Magic last week because they were able to control the paint containing Dwight Howard and limiting the Magic’s 3 point shooting. That again was the winning formula tonight. The Knicks out rebounded the Magic 41-35 and were able to contain the 3 point shooting of the Magic.
Tyson Chandler dominated Howard, holding him without a point until the final seconds of the 3rd quarter. Howard also was held to 8 rebounds and forced into 5 turnovers. Chandler being able to guard Howard 1-on-1 enabled the rest of the Knicks to stay home on their assignments, forcing the Magic into tough contested jump shots. The results were 37.5% from the 3 point line, 41% shooting overall and a total of 80 points.
The Knicks will get a much needed rest, not having another game until Sunday against the Chicago Bulls at 1:00 P.M. ET at the Garden. It is the first of a home and home series, which will conclude the following Tuesday in Chicago.
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