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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 /
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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 /

2. Kristaps Porzingis vs. Serge Ibaka

The New York Knicks and Orlando Magic play home to two of the better power forwards in the NBA in Kristaps Porzingis and Serge Ibaka. Both are revered for their defensive capabilities, but they’re also two of the best shooters at their respective positions.

Porzingis may have a more diverse offensive game than Ibaka, but the Magic big man is just as capable of lighting teams up from midrange and distance.

Ibaka is a three-time All-Defensive First Team honoree and has led the NBA in blocks per game in two different seasons. He’s also a career 36.6 percent shooter from beyond the arc and a true midrange marksman.

Thus far in 2016-17, Ibaka is averaging 14.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 block, and 1.4 3-point field goals made per game on a slash line of .486/.422/.828.

Porzingis has been sensational in his own right, averaging 20.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 2.1 3-point field goals on a slash line of .452/.392/.785. He’ll have his hands full on both ends of the floor in this matchup, however, and he must step up.

Ibaka is the type of player who can simultaneously take a star out of a game and frustrate an opposing defense, and Porzingis must overcome this challenge.

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