Post Game Reaction: Knicks 106 Magic 95

The New York Knicks are back on a winning streak as they beat the Magic 106-95. The Knicks have now won 2 in a row and won a game that they clearly should have. The Knicks effort and overall consistent play really was the difference in this one. Here are a few of my observations. 

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Knicks get balanced effort on offense. The Knicks had six-guys in double figures and Rose led all scorers with 19. Melo had 15, while Porzingis had only 12 pts. They did not need either one tonight as the bench scored a whooping 44 points. Overall this was a solid game for the Knicks as the four starters scored in double-figures, while getting a combined 29pts from O'Quinn and Hernangomez off the bench and Jennings chipped in with 12 assists. On nights like tonight, the Knicks look very deep as they played 10, 11 guys. 

Knicks dominate the boards. The New York Knicks were ranked 5th in the NBA in rebounding coming into this game and they brought it tonight. They out-rebounded the Magic 52-42, while also getting 18 offensive rebounds. They converted those for over 15 second chance points. They were led by O'Quinn with 16 rebounds. Getting extra possessions is one way for the Knicks to guarantee a made basket, which gives them more time to set their defense. 

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The bench gives the starters a break. The second unit of the Knicks really came to play tonight. Between Jennings, O'Quinn, Kuzminskas, Hernangomez and Holiday, they were all in the plus column in terms of plus minus. Jennings led the way with 12 assists, while Hernangomez had 15pts and O'Quinn a double-double with 14pts and 16rebs along with 5blks. They gave the starters a rest tonight as they played the whole fourth quarter and increased the lead to as much as 17.

Knicks defense stifles the Magic offense. The Knicks defense showed up tonight. They held the Magic to 95 points on 43% shooting from the field. They also held the Magic to 5 threes, when they make 9 a game. Overall they did a great job of putting pressure on the Magic's offense. They even stole 2 in-bound passes on made baskets. They also forced 16 turnovers, which was 5 over the season average for the Magic. Overall this is the kind of performance they need on defense, when they can hold opponents under 100 points, they can play with anyone. 

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Overall the tape does not show much as the Knicks were in control from the start. The Magic are just not a good team and so the Knicks took care of business. They next play the Celtics on Christmas day and that will be a good test for the Knicks.