Knicks Starters Toyed with the Orlando Magic
Despite flashes of success, the Orlando Magic were never a serious threat to the Knick starters. All five played determined defense, and passed the ball, 24 assists. Evan Fournier was 2 of 4 from deep and noticeably visible on the defensive end.
Julius Randle has started a new phase in his career, he is digging in on defense. The three level scorer and double digit rebounder is challenging his opponent with on ball pressure. Except for a match up with Domantas Sabonis, no other example of Jules being clearly aggressive on D comes to mind. Of his 5 personals, four were on the defensive end (probably a first for him). This is the Randle we should hope to see against elite PF s like Giannis and Zion. Julius is not going to stop them, but he will make them aware of his presence and throw them off their games a bit. If the new JR is here to stay, props to Thibs and Leon Rose.
Jalen Brunson’s play must frustrate the heck out of the other team. Jalen weaves in and out of the lane at will, disrupting defensive match ups. Then, surrounded by bigs, with a fade he hits a short J, or goes left and puts the ball high on the glass, or hits a cutter for two. Opposing players just shake their heads and wonder why they can’t stuff this little guy. He and Randle dominated the Magic.
Mitch was his usual, effective self. Although he only had 6 rebounds in 30 min., 5 were on the offensive end. One of his three blocks was on a three point shot.
RJ Barrett is looking a lot like the Julius Randle of 2021-22. He is out of sync and uncomfortable. RJ sees himself as a budding all-star, but is the third option, at best, on his own team. Twenty points on 19 FGAs is not good. His strength is catch and shoot threes, his weakness is finishing at the rim. RJ is a good passer and should drive, draw and dish rather than forcing his way to the hole. Even when he is successful and draws a foul, his ISO play stagnates the Knicks offense.
Is there a name in the NBA more pleasing to Clyde than Bol Bol? It looks like the big man will have a long career in the league. His agility was on full display. At 7’2”, Bol proves the rule that big men take longer to fully develop their agility. He also has a very soft touch and is .375 on 3.7 attempts per 36 min. from three over his 4 year career. Bol’s agility and length make him a very intimidating force in the lane. He had 4 blocks in 20 min. against the Knicks.
Missing from the Magic’s young line up last night were Jonathan Isaac, Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz. Although Isaac is 27, he has missed the last two years due to a torn ACL. The 6th pick in 2017, his career has never gained traction, but his talent is NBA rotation caliber or higher. He is signed thru 2024-25 for $17M. A healthy Jonathan Isaac is a valuable asset.
The Magic could have used a true PG in the Knick game. Although a Fultz is .262 from 3, he is a very good penetrator and has averaged 7.2 assists and 2.9 TO s per 36 min. with Orlando. He was the #1 pick in 2017. Jalen Suggs has yet to establish specific characteristics. His assist to TO ratio has been poor, 4.3 -3.0, as is his eFG%, .400. The best part of Suggs’ game is his D. Beginning his second season at this most difficult position, the challenge for Jalen will be to develop the skills that made him a top 5 pick and become a first rate NBA PG.
The Orlando Magic have some nice young players. The play of their PG will be the determining factor in their success this year.
Box Score: https://www.nba.com/game/orl-vs-nyk-0022200046/box-score