Orlando, FL: The Knicks stay undefeated, tying a team record with five consecutive wins to start the season. Carmelo Anthony continues his aggressive style of play as the Knicks defeated the Magic 99 to 89. In first half, the Magic kept the Knicks off-balance with their ball movement.
Frustration began to show on the face of Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo was not getting the calls on the offensive end of the floor. In return, it affected his ability to get back on defense. Coach Woodson was unhappy with Carmelo’s effort on a few occasions. At one point they were involved in a heated conversation.
In the second half Jason Kidd was able to settle things down. Kidd found the range from three-point-land, sparking a 6-0 run. The Knicks’ defensive intensity picked up in the fourth quarter, shutting down the Magic offensively with 1:3o left in the third quarter.
With the Knicks trailing 80-79 early in the fourth, Anthony took his first rest of the second half while Jason Kidd’s 3-pointer gave the Knicks the lead for good. Kidd added a runner in the land, and JR Smith’s jumper made it 86-80.
Melo’s first basket of the quarter made it 88-82 and on the next possession he buried the Magic with a three-pointer. Orlando lacked the firepower to fight back. The Knicks remain the only undefeated team in the NBA at 5-0.
Vernon McKenzie: PureSportNY