The New York Knicks looked to extend their winning streak to four and also get back to .500 in the standings.
Fresh off a 44-point outing from likely All-Star snub Julius Randle, the New York Knicks weren’t yet satisfied.
Sure, the three-game winning streak was nice, but the team has played well enough recently that four wasn’t out of the question. On top of that, a win over the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center would put the team’s record back at .500.
And the lowly Magic certainly were an ideal opponent for New York under these circumstances. Along with losing four of their last five, Orlando would be without rookie point guard Cole Anthony, who was sidelined with a broken rib.
How did New York fare on this quest in Mickey Mouse’s backyard? Tink, start the show!
1st quarter: Randle on the Water
We’re in Orlando and if you don’t know the song, up your Disney knowledge after the game.
Moving on, Randle was in top form again for the New York Knicks and scored 13 points on six shots in the first quarter. Randle also made all three of his attempts from three-point land as New York shot 54.5% from the field and led 32-23 after one.
Randle lit the flame the Knicks needed to kickstart this game, and he didn’t even need Elliott the Dragon’s help.
Halftime report: Dueling by Disney
The Magic took full advantage of the New York Knicks’ bench in the second quarter and went on a 13-4 run. Be it outrunning the Knicks or sinking timely shots, Orlando was easily the better team in the second quarter.
And yet, New York got it together and led 56-53 at halftime. Elfrid Payton added seven points in the quarter and did a great job driving the lane, and RJ Barrett chipped in five.
Julius Randle didn’t do much, but New York got a wake-up call on defense. The game was suddenly tighter than expected. Would the Knicks pull away, or would Orlando make this game a duel by Disney World?
3rd quarter: Florida nightmare
In the third, the New York Knicks ran headfirst into the worst possible scenario. Instead of coming out strong in the second half, the team was outscored 30-14 by Orlando. The shots simply weren’t falling. Not even Derrick Rose could come off the bench and spark the team.
New York trailed 83-70 after three and shot less than 30% in the quarter. Was there a comeback in the works?
4th quarter: Un-Magic Kingdom
Man, tonight was supposed to be fun. I was going to have lots of fun Disney references. The planned gifs were epic. I was even going to do a victory song and dance to “You’re Welcome!”
Unfortunately, little to none of that happened as the New York Knicks’ collapse continued into the fourth quarter. Barrett barely played and Immanuel Quickley just couldn’t get the bench unit going. Orlando came out on top 107-89.
38.4% from the field. 26.9% from three. 16 turnovers. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
Play clownish basketball, get clownish gifs.
Player of the Game: Julius Randle
Well, at least Randle continued to build his All-Star case with 25 points and seven rebounds.
