Thanks to another stellar performance from All-Star Julius Randle, the Magic’s losing streak has been extended to nine games, after a hard-fought 93-94 loss to New York. Randle recorded his third triple-double of the season with 18 points, 17 assists, and 10 rebounds to lead the Knicks to a much-needed win after close losses to the 76ers and Nets. Despite playing without Elfrid Payton, Derrick Rose, Austin Rivers, and rookie Immanuel Quickley, New York still shut down Orlando’s offense, holding them to 42.7% from the field and 29.4% from the three-point line. In addition to Randle’s 18 points, Alec Burks had 21 points, Reggie Bullock had 20 points, and RJ Barrett chipped in 17 points off the bench. The Knicks continue their quest for home-court advantage in the 1st-round of the Playoffs, only being 1.5 games back behind the fourth-seeded Miami Heat.
Key Takeaways for the Magic
To no one’s surprise, Nikola Vucevic had another monumental game for the Magic. Vucevic had 17 points and 16 rebounds in 36 minutes of action. The two-time All-Star did struggle shooting, however, going 8-of-20 from the field and 1-of-6 from three-point range. Aaron Gordon also pitched in 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field. Funny enough, Vucevic and Gordon weren’t Orlando’s leading scorer, as Evan Fournier led the way with 23 points. Excluding the 57 combined points from Vucevic, Gordon, and Fournier, the rest of Orlando’s lineup combined for 36 points. In a game without superb sixth-man Terrence Ross, and promising stars in Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac, scoring has been an issue for the Magic. Now sitting at 13-27, and in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, Orlando has no choice but to get healthy and get through this season with no more major injuries.
Key Takeaways for the Knicks
After signing Randle to a three-year, $63 million contract in Free Agency over offering Kevin Durant or Kyrie Irving max-deals, many viewed that as a mistake. Randle has turned that narrative upside down by becoming an All-Star and making Knicks history. Randle’s averages this season have been nothing short of impressive, at 23.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG, and 5.8 APG. What’s more impressive is that Randle became the first Knicks player with three or more triple-doubles in a season since Micheal Ray Richardson had seven in 1981-82. Randle’s recent tear has ignited a usual bottom-feeding team in the Knicks and has them right in the playoff race. Randle and the Knicks have been lucky enough to not experience a Covid-19 scare or major injuries, but Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has said they have a plan if these setbacks come to fruition.
“This is the time of the year every team is talking to every team,” Thibodeau said. “If (management) feels can help our team, I’m sure they’ll take a hard look at it. I love the guys that we have, so that’s all I focus in on. Whoever’s here, that’s what we’re working with. And if something’s good for us and they make a move, that’s great, too.”
Next Up for Magic and Knicks
Magic: Host the Brooklyn Nets (28-13, Tied-for 1st in East) on Friday night.
Knicks: Host the Philadelphia 76ers (28-13, Tied-for 1st in East) on Sunday night.