By Melissa Potes
EBC Florida Bureau
ORLANDO, Florida (Eagle News) — The atmosphere was electric at Amway Center as the Magic defeated the New York Knicks 114-100. Led by center Nikola Vucevic’s 29 points and 13 rebounds, his 58th double-double this season, the Magic stifled the young Knicks team.
“I think for our team, we’ve been talking about this going forward,” said Magic Head Coach Steve Clifford, “the offensive rebound game, as a whole, is critical for us.”
Orlando was able to out-rebound the Knicks 55 to 39, which led to 22 second-chance points for the Magic.
Defensively, the second unit with Michael Carter-Williams, Terrence Ross, and Wes Iwundu, provided a spark for the team.
“They were the reason we were ahead at half-time. Cause they changed the game around with energy and defense that lead to good offense,” Clifford said.
In one sequence, Carter-Williams had a huge block on Knicks rookie forward Kevin Knox, which led to one of Ross’ five 3-pointers. Ross finished with 23 points for the night.
To secure their playoff hopes, the key will be focusing on their defensive efforts.
“I think our defense has to get it done for us each game,” Vucevic said. “When we take care of business on that end that gives ourselves a chance, especially if we do make it. We want to do something meaningful in the playoffs. It has to be done with our defense.”
The Magic, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and Miami Heat are all vying for the last few playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. Currently 8th in the standings, Orlando has three more regular season games left to play.
“Our motto is ‘win our way in’,” said Ross. “We can’t worry too much about what other teams are doing. If we win our next three games, we’re going to put ourselves in good position.”
(Eagle News Service)