Knicks Drop Close Game to Magic

In front of a sold-out crowd there to honor their heroes of the past and watch the ones of today at Monday’s inaugural Legend Awards Night, the Knicks played like an inspired basketball team throughout, but in the end, the Orlando Magic were once again too much to handle in a 106-102 decision.

With seven of the players recognized as the best of past decades watching, the Knicks’ effort on both ends of the floor helped them build an 11-point edge in the third quarter. Unfortunately, they couldn’t maintain the lead in front of the greats as they fell to the hot-shooting Magic for the second time in three days and dropped their fifth straight overall.

“I have a lot of respect for those guys,” David Lee said of playing in front of the honorees. “Obviously, all those guys in their time period were unbelievable, and it was really a thrill. I wish I could have seen the halftime thing, but I saw them rehearsing before the game and it was pretty cool.”

Nate Robinson led six players in double figures with 19 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists. Wilson Chandler and Quentin Richardson scored 17 apiece for New York, which trailed by only one with 12 seconds left to play.

Lee, who missed his first game of the season last Saturday with tendinitis in his knees, finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds. His league-leading 55th double-double of the season placed him in a tie alongside Willis Reed (1970-71) and Patrick Ewing (1990-91) for the 13th most in a single season in team history.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to play or not,” Lee said. “I’m in the back of the Rangers locker room thinking if I’m going to play or not and a guy comes around the corner – Willis Reed. How am I going to tell that guy I’m not going to play because my knee is sore?”

Knicks President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh, a New York native, presented special Legends Rings to Carl Braun (1940s), Richie Guerin ('50s), Reed ('60s), Bernard King ('80s) and current Magic Assistant Coach Ewing ('90s).

Dick McGuire, a former Knicks player, coach and scout, was presented with the Knickerbocker Legacy Award. Each player was introduced individually following video highlights from their legendary Knicks careers. Braun, who now lives in Florida, was represented by his daughter, Susan.

The Knicks, who are still looking to make history of their own as they rally for a playoff spot, will be back in action Wednesday night when they host the L.A. Clippers at 7:30 p.m.