The New York Knicks picked up a much-needed easy win on the road against the Orlando Magic behind the return of Kristaps Porzingis.
- New York Knicks 101 (25-36)
- Orlando Magic 90 (22-39)
- NBA, Box Score, Final
- Amway Center, Orlando, Florida
The New York Knicks made a triumphant return to the triangle, and it was met with overwhelming mockery at the claims that it would help the defense. So far, however, the Knicks have played two excellent defensive games against the Toronto Raptors and Wednesday’s matchup the Orlando Magic.
It’s important for the Knicks (a bad team) to beat up on the worst teams. Orlando entered the contest with one of the worst offenses in the NBA and seeded 14th in the Eastern Conference at 16 games below .500.
With Kristaps Porzingis returning from injury, it was important that the Knicks get the win and they did. Porzingis wasn’t particularly efficient (20 points on just 6 of 15 shooting), but his mere presence is a game-changer for the squad.
Despite a rough night from Carmelo Anthony (17 points on 4 of 16 shooting), the Knicks were able to pull it out due to a solid defensive effort. Maybe the return to the triangle can help the defense after all. Or maybe we shouldn’t overreact to the Knicks shutting down one of only two teams that average less than 100 points per game.
Key Player
The Knicks were +17 with Derrick Rose on the court. He scored 19 points on 8 of 14 shooting and grabbed 7 rebounds to go along with 4 assists.
Key Stat
The Magic are 27th in field goal percentage and 28th in three-point percentage, and most of that was with Serge Ibaka. The Knicks should hold them to 5 of 25 from three-point range and 41.0 percent shooting overall.
That’s a W!!! #NYKvsORL #Knicks pic.twitter.com/XjQHZOs6lv
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
2:10 remaining in the contest as #Knicks lead 92-83! #NYKvsORL pic.twitter.com/m2xLDXD7SN
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
#Knicks looking to close strong. 6:51 on the clock & NYK leads 84-73! Tune to @MSGNetworks NOW. #NYKvsORL pic.twitter.com/jJGn0ouPSa
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
1 to go. #NYKvsORL #Knicks@kporzee: 19p@drose: 17p@MKuzminskas: 7r pic.twitter.com/yF3qKsvgiP
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
.@kporzee now with 19 points and 6 boards in his return to the floor!
NYK 68 ORL 56 | 3Q
WATCH on @MSGNetworks! #NYKvsORL pic.twitter.com/9Njh2Yl6xf
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
High scoring 1st half for the #Knicks! @kporzee: 14p@drose: 11p@carmeloanthony: 10p#NYKvsORL pic.twitter.com/8X3gzRSUQZ
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
KUUUUUUUZ! #NYKvsORL #Knicks pic.twitter.com/ppkVaJflxB
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
#Knicks own a 40-31 lead! New York shooting 60% from the field & 45% behind the arc.
WATCH on @MSGNetworks! #NYKvsORL pic.twitter.com/VZ6hw3nfr3
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
Solid start for the #Knicks!@carmeloanthony: 10p@JustHolla7: 7p
NYK: 57.1% FG / 50% 3-PT#NYKvsORL pic.twitter.com/M5zNfT4s8j— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
He’s heating up ?! @carmeloanthony: 8p#Knicks 19 Magic 12 | 1Q#NYKvsORL pic.twitter.com/5iOua238qv
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
.@kporzee ➡️ @drose! #NYKvsORL#Knicks lead 7-4. pic.twitter.com/EQVoJaB0PG
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
#Knicks starters:
2️⃣5️⃣ @drose
5️⃣ @CourtneyLee2211
7️⃣ @carmeloanthony
4️⃣2️⃣ @MrLance42
6️⃣ @kporzee #NYKvsORL pic.twitter.com/1j0OqL25BV— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 2, 2017
