New York Knicks: Five Keys To Defeating The Orlando Magic

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Dec 22, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic point guard Elfrid Payton (4) controls the ball against New York Knicks shooting guard Ron Baker (31) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

5. 3-Point Defense

The first time the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic met in 2016-17, Jeff Hornacek’s crew pulled out a 106-95 victory. It was one of the best showings of the year, as New York moved the ball well and defended at an extraordinarily high level.

One could argue that the key to the success of the defense was the Knicks’ ability to prevent Orlando from developing a rhythm from beyond the arc.

Orlando converted just five of its 27 3-point field goal attempts during the 106-95 duel. Serge Ibaka accounted for three of the five makes himself, while Evan Fournier and Elfrid Payton combined to go 2-of-9 from distance.

If the Knicks are going to defeat the Magic again, then they must maintain the same level of defensive intensity.

Expecting to hold Orlando to 18.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc is clearly unrealistic. New York can still control the pace of the game by defending with energy, however, and containing the 3-point shot should be a primary point of emphasis.

Orlando ranks a respectable No. 17 in the NBA in 3-point field goals made, but its inefficiency at 33.4 percent implies that New York should win this battle.

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