The New York Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic 96-80 after earlier in the day Center Dwight Howard faced accusations that he made statements to Orlando management he wanted coach Stan Van Gundy fired. Howard denied the statements but his actions failed to back his words as the Knicks held him scoreless in the first half. Howard finished with a line of 8 points 8 rebounds and 5 turnovers.
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks in scoring with 19 points on 6-16 shooting. J.R. Smith also added 15 points and 9 assists in the winning effort. Carmelo Anthony is carrying the team without Amare Stoudemire and Jeremy Lin injured, Anthony is averaging 29.4 points on 50% shooting in his last five games.
The Knicks are narrowly holding down the eight spot in the playoffs with Milwaukee only a game behind them going into Thursday’s game. The Knicks had lost their previous four games in Orlando before winning on Thursday.