The Magic coming into Thursday night’s game against the revamped New York Knicks were looking to avoid a 5 game losing streak. The funny thing is that wouldn’t be their biggest challenge of the day.
After shoot around Thursday Magic coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters management informed him that Howard wanted Orlando to fire Van Gundy, a report that Dwight denied.
Carmelo Anthony lead the Knicks who are now 10-3 under new coach Mike Woodson with 19 points and 8 rebounds. First year Knick Tyson Chandler held Howard to only 8 points to go along with his 12 points and 12 rebounds.
“It was a total team effort,” Knicks coach Mike Woodson said. “I think Stan has done an excellent job over the years that he’s been here.”
Jason Richardson lead the Magic with 16 points followed by Glen Davis who finished with 15.
Van Gundy talked a little post game about the comments he made earlier in the day.
“My job security is not something I’m worried about right now, it’s out of my control,” Van Gundy said. “We are in a rough stretch right now and we need to just play our way out.”
If any team knows about turmoil it’s the Knicks. Just last month they had a coach and star player battle in which Carmelo won and Dantoni was fired.
New York shot 52% from beyond the arc and 48% from the field.
“You know it’s tough because guys play us and before the game they are shooting under 30% from three then play us and have game highs,” Van Gundy said of the Knicks high shooting percentage. “Melo and Smith both hit multiple three’s, we can’t have that.”
The Magic have dropped 5 in a row and could fall all the way to the 7th seed in the playoff standings. Matching them with Chicago or Miami in the first round, but at this point any team would be a challenge for the Magic come post season.
Howard grabbed 8 rebounds to go along with his low of 8 points in his first game back after missing the previous two with back issues.
The reigning defensive player of the year wouldn’t talk about his issues with Stan.
“Next question, ” Howard replied after being asked about his relationship with his current head coach.
It’s clear that this is a major distraction to the team and something needs to be done and done quickly.
Orlando (32-22) overall and (3-7) in their last 10 look to rebound when they travel and play the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday, tip off set for 8pm.
