Shorthanded New York Knicks Blowout Dwight Howard and the Magic 108-86
The New York Knicks and Orlando Magic both came into tonight's game having won seven of their last eight contests—but only one of them looked like a team in a groove tonight. Mike Woodson's re-focused team wound up winning 108-96 in something of a statement for the shorthanded team.
New York never let the game get close in the second half, pushing the lead to as many as 37 points and thoroughly dominating the Magic in every respect. Orlando's starting unit never found its touch from behind the arc, and Dwight Howard wound up with more turnovers (six) than boards (five).
It was that kind of night for Stan Van Gundy's streaky club.
Carmelo Anthony looked like a franchise player, scoring 25 points in just over 26 minutes. Rookie Iman Shumpert made the most of his starting opportunity and tallied 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Knicks surprised just about everyone tonight. With Amar'e Stoudemire expected to miss the next two to four weeks with a bulging disc in his back, the pressure was on New York's frontline to contain Howard. Jeremy Lin also sat out with a sore left knee, but Baron Davis filled in admirably with 11 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
New York next heads to Atlanta on Friday in another test of its playoff metal, while Orlando will host the Dallas Mavericks and attempt to bounce back against the reigning NBA champions.
