The Orlando Magic emerged from their second visit to Madison Square Garden with flying colors after winning a tight finish 104-98. The Florida team managed to turn the score around thanks to a favorable 10-2 run with 01:54 minutes remaining.
Cole Anthony led the pack with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists; seconded by Mo Mamba with another double-double (12 points and 12 rebounds), and reserve guard Terrence Ross, the highest exponent of his team with 19.
In the Knicks, who have lost in four of the last six games, RJ Barrett was uncovered with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists; and center Mitchell Robinson added with 13 points and 11 sacks.
“You have to play for 48 minutes and you can’t let your guard down,” admitted Tom Thibodeau. Unfortunately tonight we have beaten ourselves. Our turnovers have hurt us. We are capable of playing much better. But we give them the credit. They have done well and we have not, “he explained.
Knicks led 96-95 after Barrett layup; however, Orlando took the lead thanks to a 7-0 lead by Franz Wagner (16 points and 9 rebounds), and later a key steal by Jalen Suggs to assist Wendell Carter Jr. and end the New Yorkers’ options.
‘It was just security. I just read the play. They were looking for a pass, and I knew they would cross it. I was just trying to make the winning play, ”Suggs said.
No confidence in Fournier
It is not being the dream start for Evan Fournier, who has lost Thibodeau’s confidence. According to data from journalist Tommy Beer, the Frenchman has not played the last period of the last six games, being replaced by Immanuel Quickley.
A case similar to that of his partner Kemba Walker, departing in his place Derrick Rose or Alec Burks. With Fournier on the track, the Knicks have a -72 in 225 minutes; and a -102 in 189 minutes with Kemba.
Quite the opposite happens with Quickley and Rose with +69 and +61 on the track in 183 and 210 minutes respectively.
The way things have been going for the Knicks lately, Thibodeau should take matters into his own hands and bet on another starting five. With Kemba and Fournier they suffer, especially in defense, and their reserves have eaten the ground.
(Cover photo: Elsa / Getty Images)