Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Keys To Defeating The Orlando Magic

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Dec 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel looks onto the court during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Orlando Magic defeated Washington Wizards 124-116. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel looks onto the court during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. Orlando Magic defeated Washington Wizards 124-116. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Put Them Away

With all due respect to the resilient team Frank Vogel is building, the Orlando Magic do nothing especially well. They aren’t a great rebounding team, defensive team, offensive team, or shooting team—yet Orlando is a respectable 13-17.

What makes Orlando so average statistically is the fact that they either lose ugly or win in a way that paints them in the light of a postseason-caliber team.

Orlando could either come out hot or cold, but the New York Knicks can’t afford to wait and see. Coasting through this game isn’t an option, nor is assuming that a relatively comfortable lead will be safe.

New York needs to play up to its potential on both ends of the floor for a full four quarters if it’s going to win this game.

During losses, Orlando is scoring 90.5 points per game and allowing 104.6. Those numbers change immensely during wins, with the Magic scoring 107.9 points per game and allowing 100.5—like night and day.

Considering Orlando is just four games below .500 after 30 outings, either version of this team could show up on Thursday—something the Knicks must be prepared for.

Home/Knicks News