New York Knicks: Who stepped up against Magic as win streak continues?

With another win for the New York Knicks, who stepped up against the Orlando Magic?

Another night, another victory — surprisingly so. That’s as the New York Knicks toppled the Orlando Magic, 108-103, to achieve a two-game winning streak — their first run of multiple games won since November. That’s with an 18-game losing streak in between this.

The Knicks still have just 13 wins and own the NBA’s second-worst record, but, for a moment, there’s reason for optimism in Manhattan.

To make this happen, players stepped up along the way, and not just one. Who rose to the occasion in this Tuesday night outcome?

Emmanuel Mudiay

Stat Line: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 8-for-18 shooting

Another strong night for Emmanuel Mudiay, who followed up 18 points in 18 minutes with 19 points in 31 minutes. This is still Dennis Smith Jr.’s job to lose at point guard, but head coach David Fizdale still has his original starter in mind clearly.

How Frank Ntilikina joins these two, though, is, perhaps, the most interesting storyline.

Allonzo Trier

Stat Line: 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 4-for-5 shooting, 9-for-10 on free throws

2019 has not proven kind to Allonzo Trier, who’s hit a rookie wall. Though 19 and 20-point games preceded this, and an 18-point night against the Magic was his most productive performance in a win in almost three months.

Trier did most of his damage from the free throw line, but it’s a positive calling card as he attacks the rim and draws contact.

Mitchell Robinson

Stat Line: 17 points, 14 rebounds, 3 steals, 6 blocks, 6-for-9 shooting

For the third time in his past four games, Mitchell Robinson had double-digit points. But, for the second consecutive matchup, he had a double-double. This time, with six blocks, following up on the five against the San Antonio Spurs.

This is all off the bench, as well, as Fizdale keeps his prized center in a low-pressure role to not accumulate quick fouls. With each game, however, it’s difficult to think this lasts the rest of the season.

Henry Ellenson

Stat Line: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 5-for-11 shooting, 3-for-6 on three-pointers

This was the unexpected Henry Ellenson game. The Pistons castoff had 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists in just his second Knicks outing and third overall this season. He even played a team-high 36 minutes off the bench.

Ellenson has intriguing size at 6-foot-11 and a wingspan that crosses 7-foot. The measurables were always there, but he could not break through in Detroit.

Now, on a team that’s far from the playoff picture, the Marquette product can continue to step up, pending the Knicks offer another 10-day contract or extend him for the rest of the season.

The New York Knicks will return on Thursday, Feb. 28, against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s a battle of the Eastern Conference’s two worst teams, record-wise.