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New York Knicks Post Game: Knicks Down Orlando Magic For Third Straight Win

By Kenneth Teape

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38. Final. 113. 27. 106

New York Knicks Post Game: Total Team Effort Helps Knicks To Victory Over Orlando Magic For Third Straight Win

The New York Knicks were able to keep things rolling Friday night, defeating the Orlando Magic and picking up their third straight win in the process. It was another impressive team victory for the Knicks, as everyone who stepped onto the court provided something positive. After a sluggish opening quarter, the Knicks were able to control the game the remaining three, winning every quarter. The Knicks are building confidence, and it is amazing what a couple of wins can do for the morale of the team. They will look to keep things going with a quick turnaround tomorrow night, traveling to take on the Charlotte Hornets.

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Player of the Game: Jason Smith

Smith was huge for the Knicks tonight, as his improvements on the defensive end couldn’t have come at a better time. In addition to the improved production defensively, Smith has continued to roll offensively. Tonight he showed off the range, knocking down three three-pointers; he had only one the last four and a half seasons, and hadn’t made one in over two season.

He ended the game with a season-high 19 points, but more importantly the perimeter shots he knocked down opened things up on the interior for his teammates. He would also add five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 34 minutes to round out his stat line.

-3 L’s Continue Producing

The turnaround the last three games has come from unexpected sources for the Knicks, as the three players on 10-day contracts, Louis Amundson, Lance Thomas and Langston Galloway, have been as imperative to the success as anyone, and tonight was no different.

Jan 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Langston Galloway (2) gestures after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 113-106. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Amundson’s numbers do not pop in the box score, but it is the little things he does that helps the cohesion and chemistry of the lineup he plays in. Tonight he played only 19 minutes, but still managed to pull down six rebounds and blocked two shots. Since he came along the Knicks don’t seem to be giving up as many easy baskets, as his defensive versatility is an excellent thing to use. He can play one-on-one on the perimeter, but also can bang in the paint, and it was on display tonight as Amundson was on the perimeter guarding players like Kyle O’Quinn one possession and in the paint against Nikola Vucevic on the next.

Thomas provided an unexpected scoring punch off the bench, highlighted by a putback dunk late in the game. Thomas shot 8-10 from the field for 16 points, with four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Thomas scored multiple baskets late in the game to help keep the Magic at bay.

Galloway continued stuffing the stat sheet unlike any guard has for the Knicks this season. He continues to score efficiently, scoring 15 points on 10 shot attempts. He also provided a big spark on the board to help the Knicks win the rebounding edge 49-39, as he had eight of his own. He also added three assists and one steal for another strong outing.

-Chemistry and Trust Building

Too often since Carmelo Anthony has gotten to Gotham City, he has been relied upon solely at the end of games. More often than not when the Knicks need a basket, they toss the ball to Anthony and hope for the best. Tonight that was not the case, as Anthony showed confidence in his teammates and they came up big.

Anthony scored seven of his team-high 25 in the fourth quarter, but it was Galloway and Thomas that actually helped the Knicks ice the victory. Anthony scored his last basket with just over three minutes left in the game, as the 10-day contract players scored 13 of the last 19 points of the game for the Knicks. The two of them were the ones who actually carried the Knicks to victory in the fourth quarter, and there was no one happier to see it happen that Anthony.

-Next Man Up Mentality

With the season where it is, the Knicks rotations have fluctuated constantly with players moving in and out on a nightly basis. Tonight some more players were added to the rotation, and they didn’t miss a beat.

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Cole Aldrich dominated the boards, grabbing nine in only 16 minutes to go with six points and three assists. Pablo Prigioni also got onto the court for the first time in three games, and like the professional that he is performed with his number called. He played 19 minutes and like normal, the Knicks played their best with him on the court, as he finished with nine points, two rebounds, one assist, two steals and a +12 plus/minus ratio.

–Jose Calderon Injury

It wasn’t all good for the Knicks Friday night, as Jose Calderon was lost to a knee injury. The Knicks are currently calling it a knee contusion, as he banged knees with a Magic played in the third quarter and was unable to return to the game. At this point Calderon is probably questionable for tomorrow night’s game.

Next: What Are 5 Takeaways From the First Half of the Knicks' Season?

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