Orlando take the win in New York over the Knicks by 110-104 on a performance typified by the current team mantra of “Magic Together”. The spirit shown also cast a nod back to the old, as “heart and hustle” were the order of the night.
The Magic had wanted revenge after losing to the Knicks two nights earlier by 25 points in the Amway Center. And wow, did they get it last night in the Madison Square Garden!
Top Performers As Orlando Take The Win In New York
Cole Anthony returned to his home town and put on a show in front of his mum and little brother. Scoring 29 points (the second most of his career) on 9 of 16 shooting he also grabbed a career high 16 rebounds for an impressive double-double, which also featured 8 assists.
Going into the fourth quarter Terrence Ross had failed to score a point. The veteran lit the flame to remind everyone what the “Human Torch” is capable of. By the close his 22 points had pushed the Magic beyond the reach of the Knicks. It is also a franchise record for most points scored in the final quarter.
Again Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr combined effectively. Bamba recorded another double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Their battles with Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson became one of attrition. Whilst both Randle and Robinson were able to score they points they were never given an easy moment.
A Team Performance
Everyone in Magic blue played hard and made a contribution to give Coach Mosely his first NBA win as a head coach.
Moe Wagner scored 8 important points late in the third quarter as New York threatened to move away having built a 9 point lead. He also threw down a monster one handed dunk in the 4th as the Magic responded to every Knicks bucket in kind.
Franz Wagner played with his ever growing poise and intellect. A dunk and a big three by Franz were part of a 10-0 to pull the Magic back into the game after a 15-0 Knicks run during the 2nd quarter.
RJ Hampton ran the point effectively for a pivotal period whilst others got rest. Jalen Suggs was aggressive, both scoring early and making nice passes.
Moving On As Orlando Take The Win In New York
Up next is the second night of a back-to-back road trip. It sees Orlando tonight in South Florida to take on Division and State rivals the Miami Heat.
The Magic face a tough night. The Heat were impressive as they blew the Bucks off court in Miami’s season opener. Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, Bam Adebayo, PJ Tucker, Tyler Herro and all will be a challenge for a young and developing Magic team. What is certain is that Orlando will not lie down without a fight.
A full game review by the Magic’s Josh Cohen can be read here on the Orlando Magic website.
