5. The Rise Of Evan Fournier Fans unaware of Evan Fournier might want to keep a close eye on the intriguing 6-7 French shooting guard. His third season is looking like a breakout year, considering Fournier has posted four straight 19-plus-point games. On Wednesday, he dropped a career-high 28 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the floor to go along with two 3-pointers and 14 attempts at the charity stripe. His versatility, tempo, and shooting skills should give Orlando a nice option at the 2 spot. Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn will have a decision to make when Victor Oladipo returns from injury on whether to start the second-year man at the point next to Fournier or keep Elfried Payton at that spot and bring Oladipo off the bench.
4. Knicks Limit Turnovers
New York only tallied nine turnovers in the loss to Orlando. For the season, the Knicks have managed to control the rock despite learning a new offensive scheme. Through nine games, New York ranks just outside the top 10 in the NBA in fewest turnovers committed per game.
3. Melo’s Efficient Performance
In his most efficient outing of the season, Carmelo Anthony posted 27 points in 32 minutes of action. Anthony hit 10-of-17 from the field, 2-of-4 behind the arc, and 5-of-6 at the free throw line. 58.8 percent of Anthony’s shots occurred in the midrange area. Anthony seems to be regaining his scoring touch with 20, 25, and 27-point nights in his last three appearances on the hardwood floor.
2. Free Throw Numbers
Head coach Derek Fisher addressed the free throw numbers once again during the postgame presser on Wednesday night. New York attempted 14 free throws and connected on 13 as opposed to 32 attempts for the road squad. Orlando manufactured 25 of its 97 total points at the free throw line in a two-point win over the Knicks.
1. Winning The Third Quarter
The third frame has been a major issue for New York this season. On Wednesday evening, the Knicks completely reversed the trend with a rock solid third period performance against the Magic. New York outscored Orlando 26-18 while holding the road team to just 33.3 percent from the floor. J.R. Smith and Anthony combined for 16 of the 26 points scored for the Knicks and the team combined for seven assists in the quarter.