The Orlando Magic came into New York searching for a spark as they attempted to end a two-game losing streak against a recently struggling New York Knicks squad.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
| Magic | 33 | 34 | 25 | 23 | 115 |
| Knicks | 32 | 27 | 21 | 23 | 103 |
Orlando Magic coach Frank Vogel challenged the Orlando Magic to compete on both ends. And they rightfully did just that, as they walked away with a key 115-103 road win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
The Magic and the Knicks were exchanging blows in the first quarter as the two teams came out red hot offensively. But the Magic had a great second quarter on both ends of the floor which helped them build an eight-point lead going into halftime.
The Magic have struggled in the third quarter this season. But they had a very strong third quarter defensively Monday, limiting the Knicks to just 21 points, the Knicks lowest point total in a quarter their last five games. The great defensive play opened up the whole game as the Magic stayed consistent throughout the game and secured a road victory.
The Magic had 35 assists in the game, a season high. The Magic seemed to be in sync offensively as they stayed patient, rotated the ball from side to side and took the best shot available. The Magic often passed up a good shot for a great shot.
The Magic were great on the boards, collecting 46 rebounds on the night. The Magic got offensive rebounds twice on their trips to the free throw line, both times they got a three-pointer to fall as a result of the second-chance opportunity.
The Magic connected on 15 of their 31 three-point attempts, which tied their season high against the Atlanta Hawks on Dec. 13. The Magic started the game with a 3-pointer from D.J. Augustin, which set a tone for the Magic, as the rest followed.
The Magic’s great defense forced the Knicks to hoist up a prayer at the end of the shot clock at times, the Knicks attempted 83 field goal attempts in the game, 12 of which came in the last five seconds of the shot clock.
“I thought we responded pretty well, we brought a lot of energy,” Nikola Vucevic said to Dante Marchitelli of FOX Sports Florida following the game.
The Magic were surely the aggressors as they made sure all the Knicks field goal attempts were tough.
“We played with much more energy on both ends of the floor, we played harder offensively,” Frank Vogel said after the game. “We screened harder, cut harder, and worked harder.”
The Magic will have a chance to continue their great play and remain consistent on Wednesday as they face the Atlanta Hawks at home.
The Magic must remain focused on all games this month as they have the toughest schedule in the Eastern Conference this month and also due to their playoff chances in jeopardy.