Knicks overcome Magic, win 113-105

Up until early in the fourth quarter, the Knicks stood behind Orlando, and led only once, by two points for exactly 30 seconds.

The Magic, who scored the first 11 points of the game, seemed to be in control against a team with plenty of liabilities.

New York lost not only their previous two games – both close, in Philadelphia and at home to the Warriors, but they also lost Carmelo Anthony who suffered an injury the other day and was rested.

Without him, Jeff Hornacek relied on Courtney Lee’s ability to shoot the ball, Lance Thomas’ defense and the energy from the newest Knick, Chasson Randle.

Down by 7 as they entered the last act, Hornacek decided to bench Derrick Rose and give Randle his minutes. The outcome was incredible. The Knicks started on a 10-0 run to gain the lead and propelled themselves to a 113-105 victory over the Magic.

Randle proved to be an excellent replacement for Brandon Jennings and finished with a game high +/- of +27. The rookie scored 7 points, dished 5 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds in 25 minutes.

“He just knows how to play. He does the little things. I can’t say enough for a guy who hasn’t played yet and then all of a sudden gets in there.”

– Jeff Hornacek

Lee scored 20 points shooting 6-16 and Thomas dropped 17 buckets.

Kristaps Porzingis had 14 points and 8 rebounds.

The Knicks bench was extremely productive, each player scoring at least 7 points.

Mindaugas Kuzminskas had 8, Justin Holiday scored 10, Kyle O’Quinn dropped 11 while Willy Hernangomez ended up with 14. The last two also collected each 8 rebounds.