The New York Knicks beat up the Orlando Magic within the first half of Tuesday’s 121-106 win. However a terrific cross from Josh Hart and a buzzer-beating shot by Mikal Bridges knocked the Magic all the way down to the wild-card spot.
Bridges’ shot, made doable by clutch passes by Hart and Karl-Anthony Cities, gave the Knicks a 71-51 halftime lead, beautiful the Magic. New York had 10 assists within the quarter alone, led by three from Bridges and two from Hart. Cities scored 10 factors within the second and grabbed eight rebounds, the identical quantity the Magic had as a group.
It was a sport that New York wanted greater than Orlando, for NBA Cup functions. Whereas each groups had been 3-0 of their group, Orlando’s huge level differential benefit meant they had been virtually sure to advance to the quarterfinals. However when the Knicks have six gamers scoring in double figures, it is arduous to beat them it doesn’t matter what the opponent’s motivation.
Hart was the bottom scorer of that group with 11 factors, however he put up a triple-double with 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Hart is averaging a career-high 5.7 assists, thanks partly to having nice shooters like Cities (53.3% taking pictures, 45.5% from three) and Jalen Brunson (48.3%, 41.1%).
Within the final two video games, Bridges has additionally been nice. He is shot 62.5% whereas averaging 25 factors and going 8-for-18 from three-point vary. The Knicks have been doing a little spectacular passing, notching 30 group assists within the final two video games, however huge help numbers additionally depend upon photographs entering into.
Tuesday, over 50% of their photographs did. Within the first half, it was 56.5%. If they will hold the new taking pictures going in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks subsequent week, they’re going to be headed to the semifinals in Las Vegas.
