Knicks vs. Magic: 3 Big Things to Watch
ORLANDO - Following a successful four-game road trip, the Orlando Magic returns back to home starting with a matchup against the New York Knicks.
The Knicks look to continue on their recent momentum, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 108-97 at home on Sunday.
Here are three things to watch in this Eastern Conference showdown...
Down to the Wire Finish?
If tonight's game has any similarities to New York's previous seven games, we should be in store for a thriller.
Over the past two weeks, New York has found itself in three overtime finishes - four of which were decided by six points or less.
For the Magic, the team ranked in the middle of the NBA in clutch time, ranking 19th in the league with a 3-4 record in such games.
Can the Magic Finish Strong?
The catalyst to both team's recent success has been the ability to finish down the stretch.
In Orlando's Sunday victory over the Charlotte Hornets, the team rallied from a slow start defensively to pull off the 119-113 road win.
The come-from-behind victory came just two days after another gutsy performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
For New York, the team rallied from a 21-point first quarter deficit in its win over the 76ers, led by 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists from All Star forward Julius Randle.
Jalen Suggs Defensive Prowess
One of the key contributors for the Magic of late has been Jalen Suggs, the No. 5 pick from the 2021 NBA Draft.
But it hasn't always been his offense leading the way, with the 21-year-old continuing to prove how elite a perimeter defender he is.
"You talk about being a game-changer, the way he can get into the basketball — he has a talent and gift of that," Jamahl Mosley said.
In 16 games off the bench this year, Suggs has posted 6.4 points, 2.3 assists and over a steal in 17.4 minutes per game
Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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