Knicks Obliterate Orlando, Send a Message to the Rest of the NBA

Can New York continue to improve defensively? Can they stay healthy? If both of those questions are answered affirmatively, this Knicks team can reach the mountaintop. Seriously…

Final Score: Knicks 121 - Magic 106 
Record: 13-8

Orlando entered the Garden Tuesday night as the hottest team in the league, having won six straight and 12 of their previous 13 games. Over the past month, they had been, by far, the best defensive team in the NBA, allowing just 103 points per game. 

And over the first two minutes of Tuesday's showdown vs. New York, the Magic drilled three straight three-pointers, jumping out to a 9-2 lead. 

However, from early in the first quarter through the tail end of the third (when NY finally took their foot off the gas pedal), the Knicks played their best basketball of the season and absolutely embarrassed Orlando, outscoring them 45 points (97-52). 

During that dominant 30-minute stretch, New York shot over 61% from the floor, over 61% from three-point range and 100% from the free-throw stripe. The Knicks had 24 assists on their 35 made baskets while committing just six turnovers. 

On the defensive end, New York protected the paint and forced the Magic into contested, long-range jumpers, as Orlando converted just two of their 18 3PT attempts (11%). The Magic had more turnovers (12) than assists (11). 

Heading into this season, plenty of pundits suggested that we wait 20 games before starting to earnestly assess the KAT/Bridges trade and the overhauled Knicks roster. Well, Tuesday's matchup with the Magic was the 21st game of the season and the most encouraging contest thus far.

If New York makes a deep run this postseason and eventually advances to the NBA Finals, I'll be asked at some point, "When did you first believe this Knicks team had a legit chance to win a championship? 

My answer may be that extraordinary 30-minute stretch vs. the Magic on a cold Tuesday night in early December.