Knicks set franchise record in blowout win against the Magic (121-96)

It was a three point festival last night in Orlando as the New York Knicks set a franchise record in three points makes and attempts as they crushed the Magic in their home opener, 121-96.

In a shooting frenzy, the Knicks made 24 shots from behind the arc on 54 attempts against a clueless opponent that had it very difficult to find their way to the basket.

The Knicks played a devastating first half offensively. Up 22-16 early in the first, they went on a 14-0 run in a span of 2 minutes and finished the period with a 20 point lead. At halftime they increased it at 30 points. The second half was a formality with the Knicks protecting their lead and the Magic posing no threats.

Julius Randle led the Knicks with a game high 21 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists, delighting a crowd rocking so many Knick jerseys it felt like a home game. Evan Fournier scored 18 against his former team and Immanuel Quickley scored 16 off the bench, each if them scoring four times from long range.

“Honestly, we just played the right way. We just shared the ball, tried to be aggressive and make the right play. It was a result of good offense.”

– Evan Fournier

Coach Tom Thibodeau smiled after a fan shouted at him “Why don’t you look happy?” as he was walking down the tunnel.

“I think it’s a reflection of team playing for each other and just making the right play. We talked about it a lot of wanting to shoot more 3s, but we want them to be the right 3s. When the second defender comes, guys are making the right read.”

– Tom Thibodeau

Kemba Walker finished with just 11 points and played the least amount of minutes of all starters – 22 – but he set the tone with three 3 pointers early in the game. Obi Toppin got lots of love from a crowd that gave him “O-BI” chants. In return he gave them 13 points in a 5-8 shooting. Lots of love for Derrick Rose too who got loud ovations when he checked in. Rose logged 24 minutes, scored 12 points, dished 7 assists and finished with a game high plus- of 34. Alec Burks also finished with 12 buckets.

The Magic were led by Franz Wagner with 16 points. Mo Bamba was in double double with 15 points and 10 rebounds while Wendell Carter Jr logged 10 points and 11 boards. Cole Anthony struggled with his shooting. He finished with 10 points, scored just 2 by halftime and shot a game-low 3-14 from the field.

Up-next: The Knicks (2-0) will return to Madison Square Garden on Sunday night to play another game against the Magic (0-2).