Orlando (18-22) at New York (13-27) 7:30 pm EST
NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Some unselfish play by Steve Francis has
meant all the difference in the world for the Orlando Magic.
Francis tries to lead the Magic to their season-high sixth
straight victory Friday when they visit the New York Knicks, who
once again are marred in another losing streak.
Since Orlando suspended its star guard for one game on January
15 for conduct detrimental to the team, Francis has responded
upon his reinstatement.
The Magic have not lost since the return of Francis, who is
averaging 8.0 assists during the winning streak and is coming
off a career-high 15 assists in Thursday's 119-115 overtime win
at Philadelphia.
Hedo Turkoglu scored 25 points and Pat Garrity added a
season-high 24, including a pair of clutch 3-pointers in
overtime, as Orlando surpassed its previous season-best winning
streak from November 23-28.
Meanwhile, New York has dropped six straight - one shy of its
season-worst losing streak.
The Knicks' latest setback came Wednesday in a 106-102 overtime
loss to Sacramento. Stephon Marbury returned to the lineup
following a shoulder injury and scored 22 points, while Maurice
Taylor added 21 and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, who allowed 17
points in the extra session.
The teams already have met twice this season, with Orlando
recording a pair of victories last month. The Magic have won
six of their last seven meetings with the Knicks, including
three straight here.





