Magic 116, Knicks 110

Knick's Record- 30-28 (6th in the East, 5 games back from the 5th seeded Hawks, 1 game up on 7th seeded 76ers)
 
The Knicks gave Donnie Walsh an early birthday present Sunday night with their victory against the Heat. Unfortunately, they were unable to deliver a gift on his actual 70th birthday Tuesday night, as they fell to the Magic, 116-110.

Box Score

The Knicks had this game in their grasp, leading by five going into the fourth quarter.

Nelson came alive in the second half

But then, after a nonexistent first half where he scored just 3 points, Jameer Nelson decided to show up. With a flurry of circus layups and step-back jumpshots, Nelson helped the Magic take back a lead that they would not again relinquish.

Against the Knicks' "front court," Dwight Howard had 30 points, 16 boards and 5 blocks.

Amar'e Stoudemire and Chauncey Billups each had 30 for the Knicks, and Carmelo Anthony had 25, with yet another poor shooting night (8-24 from the field). Billups took a career high 20 free throws and made 18. Between the two teams there were 97 free throws taken, while zero players fouled out.

What you can take away from this game as a Knicks fan is this: The Knicks are on the same level as the Magic. This game had the same intensity and competitive fire that Sunday night's game had. Overall, the Knicks have the talent to beat the Magic, and could compete in a 7-game series.

The Knicks had no answer for Superman

Of course, the problem is Howard. The Knicks simply do not have anyone to match up with the big man. His presence alone changes the entire game; it opens up threes and outside jumpers, and simply gives the other four Magic players much more court to utilize. However, there are very few teams with the ability to combat Howard. The Lakers, Celtics (as long as Shaq is health), Thunder (with newly acquired Kendrick Perkins) and Bulls are the only teams that even have a chance.

I'll break down the teams player by player in another post, but Knicks fans can celebrate the fact that the Magic don't have five Dwight Howards; they only have one.

It's also worth noting that this was only the Knicks' fourth game A.C. (After Carmelo). Don't forget what your third grade teacher used to tell you when you were learning multiplication tables: practice makes perfect.