The New York Knicks fell 105-100 to the Orlando Magic, but with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps Porzingis absent, a number of unsung players stepped up.
The New York Knicks entered Sunday, Dec. 3 at a severe disadvantage. Roughly an hour before the matinee game against the Orlando Magic tipped off, the Knicks announced that the No. 1 and No. 2 scoring options would both be absent.
Although the Knicks fell 105-100 to the Magic, playing without Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. provided other players with a chance to prove themselves.
Orlando secured the five-point victory, but New York played well when one considers its uphill battle. With its top two scorers sidelined by injuries, the Knicks rallied together and played at an exceptionally high level on the defensive end of the floor.
After allowing 36 points in the first quarter, the Knicks held the Magic to 69 points the rest of the way—and limited Orlando to 6-of-28 shooting from beyond the arc overall.
While the loss may have been demoralizing, the coaches, players, and fans were offered reason for intrigue. Players who must step up in future games received additional playing time, and many thrived under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden.
The question is: Which players stepped up for the New York Knicks during the 105-100 loss to the Orlando Magic?