(*T*M*C) We’re told that home is where the heart is. For the New York Knicks and its fans on Wednesday night, that would be the “World’s Most Famous Arena”, Madison Square Garden. After a brutal road trip where New York posted a 1-4 record, facing the 18-50 Orlando Magic seemed to be just what the doctor ordered. Now the Knicks have lost 5-7 games. This has allowed the Brooklyn Nets to pull within 1 game of the Atlantic Divison lead. Head Coach Mike Woodson took it all in stride. “I watch it(Atlantic Division Standings), I research it, I look at it. I can’t worry about what other teams are doing? I’m not begging for somebody to lose, we’ve got to win.”
A major distraction this month for New York have been a rash of injuries. It was recently revealed that Kurt Thomas played on a stress fracture in his foot during the 90-83 victory over Utah Monday night. It looks like he’s lost for a month. He joins Amare Stoudemire(knee) and Tyson Chandler(neck) on a list of Knicks sorely missed. Head Coach Mike Woodson shares our pain. “We started the season with more than enough Bigs. Losing Kurt Thomas is a huge lost.” Now for the Good News. After missing 6 of the last 8 games, Carmelo Anthony made his return to the starting lineup. “My knee is fine. I sat out. I took care of it, hopefully. I can’t go out there thinking about it, like I did in previous games. We know how that turned out. We still believe that we’re going to win the Atlantic Division. We’ll win our division, that’s our confidence. In terms of winning a NBA Championship, we’ll take it a day at a time.”
So here comes the Orlando Magic who started the season 12-13. As they finish their first year after the Dwight Howard Era, the Magic have been atrocious since at 6-37. Head Coach Mike Woodson rung the alarm. “It’s all about stops. We’ve got to start building. Everybody has got to be ready to play.” New York responded nicely, going wire-to-wire, in beating Orlando 106-94. JR Smith led all scores with 22 points(8-16 FGs, 4-5 FTs) and 7 rebounds off the bench. Carmelo Anthony looked just fine with 21 points(7-14 FGs, 4-6 FTs) and 8 rebounds. Kenyon Martin continues to rise in value scoring 11 points and 3 rebounds. Steve Novak was solid as well with 11 points(4-8 FGs, 3-7 3-PTs) and 3 rebounds. The Orlando Magic(18-51) were pretty balanced in defeat. Tobias Harris, 14 points(7-10 FGs) and 5 rebounds. Andrew Nicholson, 14 points(5-8 FGs, 4-6 FTs) and 3 rebounds. Beno Udrih, 13 points(5-8 FGs, 3-3 FTs), 8 assists & 3 rebounds. Kyle O’Quinn, 12 points(5-10 FGs, 2-4 FTs), 14 rebounds & 4 assists.
New York started the game quickly up 12-5 after the first 4 minutes. The Knicks were 5-7 from the field(2-3 3-PTs). Over the next 6 minutes, New York went on 12-6 run and boosted their lead to 24-11. Once again the Knicks were 5-7 from the field(2-3 3-PTs). As the 1st Quarter came to a close, New York shot 58% FGs(4-8 3-PTs) and produced a 26-15 lead. Carmelo Anthony 7 points(3-6 FGs, 1-2 3-PTs) paced the Knicks. Kyle O’Quinn came of the bench for the Magic with 5 points.
Apparently New York decided to take a power nap as Orlando went on a 7-0 run within the first 2 minutes of the 2nd Quarter, NY 26-ORL 22. The next 3 minutes saw a 9-2 burst from the Knicks, NY 35-ORL 24. The Magic roared back with a 12-4 push over the next 4 minutes, NY 39-ORL 36. New York punched back in the next minute with an 8-2 spurt, NY 47-ORL 38. Orlando closed out the quarter on a 6-1 run and trimmed the deficit to 51-46 at the Half. Orlando’s bench continued to shine. Beno Udrih had 8 points while Andrew Nicholson added 5 points. Carmelo Anthony scored another 7 points for New York showing little rust from missing the last 3 games.
The Knicks started to pour it on in the 3rd Quarter outscouring the Magic 32-19. Runs of 10-4 & 16-6 overwhelmed the Magic. New York shot 12-19 from the field(63.2%) and 5-8 from downtown(62.5%). Carmelo Anthony & JR Smith paced NY with 7 points each. Kenyon Martin was just as strong with 5 points. Tobias Harris tried to keep it respectable for Orlando with 8 points but New York took a commanding 83-65 advantage into the 4th Quarter.
With news that Iman Shumpert wouldn’t play in the 2nd half due to his surgically-repaird left knee, Head Coach Mike Woodson was cautious in 4th Quarter as they closed out Orlando. Carmelo Anthony & Raymond Felton were given the rest of the game off. JR Smith & James White guarded the lead for the Knicks with 7 points each. The Magic got as close as 95-86 with 3:35 remaining. Andrew Nicholson scored 7 points(2-4 FGs, 3-5 FTs) and 3 rebounds. Doron Lamb added 6 points(2-2 FGs, 1-1 3-PTs 1-1 FT) and 3 rebounds.
Iman Shumpert addressed his concern for the possible setback late in the 1st Half. “I took a step to explode and felt a “pop”. Trainer told me that it was hopefully scar tissue. It just scared me because the last time I heard a “pop”, I was out 8 months.” Head Coach Mike Woodson turned the attention to the rest of the season. “We’ve got to win the rest of our home games and be at least .500 for the remaining games on the road. We are not looking over or shoulder. We have to take care of business.” For all those that adore Madison Square Garden, there’s no place like home. (*T*M*C)
Written by Shelby Spencer
The Morning Crap 