On a night to honor its legends, the New York Knicks reverted back to their old ways. After holding the lead for the majority of the game, New York relinquished its hold on the Orlando Magic, allowing them to cruise to a 106-102 win. Orlando, the third best team in the Eastern Conference, finally went ahead with 3:51 left in the game after trailing since the first quarter.
On paper, New York played evenly with and, in some instances, better than the Magic. The Knicks garnered the same amount of rebounds, including more on the offensive glass, and converted more field goals, including 3-pointers. However, the one major disparity between the two teams was free throw shooting. They shot 63.6% on 21-of-33 shooting from the line; the main culprit being Chris Wilcox. Despite the immeasurable amount of energy he bring to the court, all eyes could not be diverted from his 0-of-6 night from the line.
David Lee had trouble penetrating the Orlando defense early, but finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The man who gave Lee the blues, Dwight Howard, ended with 29 points and 14 boards to lead the Magic. It was his bucket that finally gave Orlando the lead late in the 4th quarter.
**Once again, it's the lack of a closer -- a Mariano, if you will. Nate Robinson has seemingly assumed that role, but fades in and out constantly. David Lee, while the team's best player, is not an offensive juggernaut. Wilson Chandler, Al Harrington, Chris Duhon, Larry Hughes: All solid players but all are streaky scorers.
One player who executed well from the floor was Chris Wilcox. He finished with 8 points on 4-of-6 shooting and a horrid 0-of-6 from the foul line. Despite his troubles shooting free throws, he displayed what no other Knick had tonight. Chris Wilcox showed "fire and desire", as the great Walt Frazier would say. He appeared to be the only player, for the whole game, to provide any significant and consistent amount of energy. On a team of outcasts, role players and capricious scorers, Chris Wilcox needs more playing time. His presence can only energize his teammates, and energy is needed if Mike D'Antoni is still shooting for the playoffs.
**Speaking of D'Antoni's goals, his hopeful mark of 40 wins is still attainable. However, a win-out is needed to do so. At 28-42 -- now, with this recent loss, unable to finish the year over .500 -- the Knicks have 12 games left. Remaining games include New Orleans on Friday, and at Utah & Denver next week. Hell, I don't think they'll make it out of Wednesday night with a win, as Mardy Collins will be back with a vengeance when the LA Clippers roll into the Garden.
Sorry Mike, it's not happening.
**The Knicks just signed D-League standout Courtney Sims to a 10-Day contract. Since New York is handing out so many deals to the minor leaguers, a lot of you must be asking why they haven't extended an offer to fan favorite Patrick Ewing Jr. Well, according to Patrick Ewing Sr. in a conversation with Newsday's Alan Hahn, P.E. Jr. suffered an MCL sprain and is currently out.
**I found this on ESPN Fantasy:
Gallinari is expected to rejoin the Knicks for Monday night's game against the Magic, after consulting with specialists in Italy about his on-going back issues, Newsday reports.
Spin: Doctors in Italy found the same thing everyone else has -- Gallinari has a bulging disc. It has yet to be determined whether Gallinari will undergo surgery. If he opts not to have surgery, there is a chance Gallinari will play again this season.
Please tell Gallo to shut it down. He is too valuable and the season is long gone. Any additional play could aggrevate his back even more. Even if the Knicks do make the playoffs, it will be a short addendum to the season, as they will most likely play the Cleveland LeBrons or the Boston Celtics. While Gallinari can help the team right now, -- even at 60% health -- there is truly no point.
**On a much more upbeat note, the Knicks organization honored legends from each decade of the franchise's existence. Carl Braun for the 1940's, Richie Guerin represented the 50's, 'The Captain' Willis Reed was the 60's, the loquacious, vivacious Walt 'Clyde' Frazier was there for the '70's, the 80's were displayed through Bernard King, and the 90's were headed by current Magic assistant Patrick Ewing.
This brings up the question: 'Who will represent the turn of the century when 2009 passes?'
The early choice is Allan Houston, but what about big-shot-makers like Latrell Sprewell or Jamal Crawford? Maybe current players like Nate Robinson or David Lee? Possibly even Tim Thomas, who was 'so nice, you had to see him twice' in this decade.
--Max Caster
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