Magic vs. Knicks : Video Highlights, Twitter Reaction, Grades and More

Thursday was not a good day for the Orlando Magic.

Not only did head coach Stan Van Gundy tell reporters that Dwight Howard asked management to fire him, the Magic came out and showed how dysfunctional they really were on the court. 

The New York Knicks played like a team fighting for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Magic played like a team that didn't care, with the exception of a select few.

The result was a 96-80 Knicks victory.

Tweets of the Nights

As the Magic found themselves trailing at the half, 56-44, Steve Popper of The Record took a shot at Dwight Howard:

"

Dwight Howard and Stan Van Gundy both scoreless in the first half for the Orlando Magic. #justiceisserved

— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) April 6, 2012"

Jemele Hill of ESPN appeared to be taking the side of Stan Van Gundy:

"

I disagree w/ the entire TNT crew. If you're man enough to ask for your coach to be fired, be man enough to own it.

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) April 6, 2012"

Meanwhile, Carmelo Anthony was dominating for the Knicks. Basketball writer Michael Scotto tweeted:

"

Carmelo Anthony continues to play a solid overall game for NY & put the team on his back & embraced the challenge as "fun." #Knicks #Melo

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 6, 2012"

ESPN's Michael Smith was not impressed with the game overall:

"

If this Magic-Knicks game keeps up (Dwight 0 pts, 2 FGs), the postgame is going to be even better than shootaround. If that's possible.

— Michael Smith (@undecided) April 6, 2012"

And as Tyson Chandler outplayed Howard, Ramin Edmond, editorial assistant for the Boston Herald sports section, tweeted during the game:

"

I know Tyson Chandler is good defensively, but what is Dwight Howard doing? No points and just four rebounds in 21+ minutes? Is that a joke?

— Ramin Edmond (@TheRealRamin) April 6, 2012"

Must-See Highlight

And in a truly rare event, Glen "Big Baby" Davis actually outperformed Howard. In the middle of the first quarter, he ran down the floor on the break and thundered it home.

Grades for Magic 

Dwight Howard: F

Whether it was Tyson Chandler's defense or the drama before the game, Dwight Howard did not bring it on Thursday, getting outplayed by many players on the floor.

Howard finished with eight points, eight rebounds, three blocks and five turnovers. 

Jameer Nelson: C-

Jameer Nelson played hard and got his teammates involved, but he simply shot poorly on a night when the Magic were clearly out of sync. 

Nelson posted 10 points, six rebounds and five assists while shooting 3-of-14 from the floor. 

Jason Richardson: B+

Jason Richardson seemed to be the only player on the Magic who came ready to play on Thursday. He scored the ball effectively and played within the game.  

Richardson finished with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Grades for Knicks 

Carmelo Anthony: A

Carmelo Anthony has certainly brought it while Jeremy Lin and Amar'e Stoudemire have been off the floor. He started off red-hot, including from downtown, and crashed the glass all night.

Anthony finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists. 

Tyson Chandler: A

When you outplay the best center in the league—no matter the circumstances—you get an "A" in my book. Chandler played physical, tough defense against Howard and wasn't intimidated on the glass. 

Chandler posted 12 points and 12 rebounds.  

J.R. Smith: A

J.R. Smith simply had a great night. He shot the ball extremely well, found his teammates and was a big factor off the bench in the second quarter as part of the Knicks' scoring barrage. Hit all five of his shot attempts in the second quarter. 

Smith finished with 15 points, eight assists and four rebounds. He posted a plus-minus of +20.

Deciding Factor: Shooting

I debated putting "Dwight Howard" here, but I won't blame it all on the big man. The Magic as a team struggled from the floor and didn't even look like a playoff team.

The Magic shot 41 percent from the floor, while the Knicks shot 48 percent—including 13-of-25 from downtown. 

Game MVP: Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony came out on fire, continuing to shine with Lin and Stoudemire off the court. He hit some incredible shots on the night, rebounded the basketball and even got his teammates involved a couple times.

Once criticized, New York is embracing him now. 

What's Next?

The Magic visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, while the Knicks host the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.

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