Miami Heat

Julius Randle had a career for the NY Knicks, scoring 57 points, but New York fell short of the top after being beaten 11-3 in the final two & a half minutes. New York scored 42 points in the first quarter and struggled for much of the game. The Knicks cast around the ball 17 times, trailed by 14 in the low post, and gave up 68 in the paint. In addition to Randle’s historic night, Jalen Brunson had a double-double with 23 points and ten assists.

In a tense game going into the fourth quarter, Orlando stretched the score and eventually outscored Washington by 11 in the final inning. Paolo Banchero had 18 points, nine rebounds, & eight assists for the Magic. The Magic were near perfect at the free throw line, leading 24-25 and shooting nearly 54 percent from the field. Despite 16 turnovers, Orlando won the rebounding battle by nine and held Washington to just four offensive rebounds. Gary Harris led Orlando with 22 points. Jalen Suggs will miss Friday’s game (concussion).

While the Magic are still considering making the playoffs, they have not won back-to-back games since early February despite the closing window. New York, meanwhile, has been clicking and hoping to bounce back after a disastrous home defeat. New York should control the paint and limit the Magic’s scoring on the glass while creating their fair share of second-scoring opportunities. Orlando relies too much on the free-throw line, while New York does an excellent job of playing suffocating defense without fouling. The Knicks will win this match.