The Orlando Magic’s 19-point second-quarter lead? That disappeared by the end of the third quarter. Their 10-point fourth-quarter lead? That was in jeopardy.
The New York Knicks are a team like their coach, scrappy and hard-fighting team. They are in their own playoff battle. Even without Jalen Brunson they were not going to go away.
Once again, it would come down to the team’s ability to execute. Would they make the plays, get the stops and the shots they needed to win?
This has been the question all year and especially this late in the season as the pressure is ramping up on everyone. The Magic are still hanging onto their playoff hopes and they know it starts with taking care of their own business game by game and moment by moment.
The Orlando Magic executed some key plays down the stretch to hold off the New York Knicks and score a big win in their fleeting postseason chase.
So it came down to a few plays to give them some breathing room and put the Knicks into panic mode. And they got it from their young rookie, hitting the big shot when they need it most.
Paolo Banchero beat up the Knicks’ defense throughout the first half, but struggled with their double-teaming scheme throughout the second half, committing three turnovers for the game.
But he found the breakthrough late in the fourth quarter, feeding Wendell Carter at the top of the key after he got stuck.
Wendell Carter froze the defense with his slow pump fake, drove and kicked to Markelle Fultz who immediately fired to Paolo Banchero who relocated to the corner. He promptly drained the three to give the Magic a seven-point lead.
There's that #MagicTogether ball movement! 🔥@OrlandoMagic pic.twitter.com/qVVUApa84s
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) March 24, 2023
The Magic followed that up with a pull-up three from Cole Anthony. That did not put the game fully out of reach, but it was enough to secure a 111-106 victory over the Knicks at Amway Center.
Orlando withstood several rallies throughout the game but it again came down to the final moments and the final plays of the game. It again came down to the Magic making shots down the stretch.
Orlando stepped up in a big way as the team has done in several recent wins. It withstood losing that big lead and entering the fourth quarter tied. This was a gutsy win with the Magic matching the Knicks’ physicality and withstanding some frustrating misses throughout the game.
The Magic showed a ton of maturity to secure the win.
Player Grades
The Orlando Magic conclude their homestand Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets.