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Knicks Post Game Recap: Loss To Orlando Magic Pushes Losing Streak to Six

By Kenneth Teape

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Knicks Post Game Recape vs. Orlando Magic’ November 12th, 2014

97. 38. Final. 95. 27

The disappointing losses just keep coming for the New York Knicks, who suffered yet another one Wednesday night against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. It was a close game throughout, as there were a high number of lead changes and ties. Here are some takeaways from the game.

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Matchup of the Game Recap:

Outside of a short stretch of time in the second quarter, Tobias Harris was outplayed by Carmelo Anthony. Harris was able to pick two fouls up on Anthony in that stretch, which proved to be costly for the Knicks down the stretch as Anthony was forced from the game in the fourth quarter because of foul trouble. Stat wise though, it wasn’t close as Harris finished with 12 points on 4-11 with five rebounds and one assist. Anthony scored a game-high 27 points on 10-17 shooting with five rebounds and one assist, steal and block.

Player of the Game: J.R. Smith

Anthony could have easily received the honor once again, but Smith should be recognized a little bit. Tonight he finally looked comfortable on both ends of the court, scoring a season-high 19 points. He missed a potential game winning three-pointer at the buzzer, but had a solid game otherwise. He also added four rebounds and three assists on the night.

Nov 12, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith (8) shoots over Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) in the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Orlando Magic won 97-95. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

–Free Throw Disparity

What was a troubling trend from last season seems to have carried over to the 2014-15 one for the Knicks, as they continue to be terribly out-shot at the free throw line. Tonight was no different, as the Magic attempted 32 free throws, making 25, while the Knicks attempted only 14 and made 13. Look no further as to why the Knicks are losing games; any time an opponent has that many more chances at easy points than you do it will be hard to win. The foul differential was also substantial, as the Knicks committed 27 to the Magic’s 19.

–Poor Defense

The Knicks defense tonight left a lot to be desired. The Magic shot the ball well all over the court, as they knocked down 47.1 percent overall, and 50 percent from the three-point line. The Knicks let Evan Fournier go off on them, as he finished the game with a career-high tying 28 points.

One player did stand out on the defensive side of the ball though, as Samuel Dalembert did everything you could hope he would. He protected the paint, blocking five shots and also pulled down seven rebounds; can’t ask for much more from the Knicks starting center.

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–Hardest Rotation to Predict

The Knicks are obviously trying to find the right combination of players to make things work, but it is getting a little out of hand. The Knicks have used 127 different five-man lineups in nine games. The average for an NBA team is in the mid-high 60’s, and keep in mind that number is only going to increase as the Knicks add two supposed rotation players, and one starter, in Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani.

Tonight Tim Hardaway Jr. once again seemed to draw the short straw, as he didn’t see any minutes in the first half, but played 18 in the second. He took most of Quincy Acy’s minutes, who received a technical about halfway through the third quarter and didn’t make another appearance.

It would do the Knicks wonders on the court if Derek Fisher can figure out a rotation sooner than later and build some cohesion and continuity with certain lineups. It doesn’t help that the Knicks have been dealing with injuries though.

Next up for the Knicks will be a visit from the Utah Jazz Friday night at 7:30 PM ET.

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