New York Knicks Fall Under .500 with Loss to Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic won their fourth straight game by defeating the New York Knicks last night 111-99. With the loss the Knicks fall under .500 and have to answer tough questions about the future of the team. Since a blockbuster trade that depleted the Knicks starting lineup in exchange for Carmelo Anthony the team is 7-10.

Knicks' coach Mike D'Antoni said that the team, notably Amare Stoudemire, is tired after a long March campaign. Stoudemire scored only 13 points in last nights game which is his lowest total of the season. Anthony managed to score 24 points to go along with his nine assists, and Chauncey Billups and Toney Douglas each added 17 in the losing effort.

The real cause of the Knicks trouble was Magic center Dwight Howard. With 33 points and 11 rebounds Howard led the way while being defended by the shorter, lighter Ronny Turiaf. Howard's inside presence also helped keep the defense sagging off of the Magic shooters. Jameer Nelson scored 19 points and Hedo Turkoglu had 16 points while matching Howard with 11 rebounds.

With the win the Magic maintained the fourth seed in the playoff hunt, where they are likely to finish the season behind the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls. The Knicks were looking to advance to the fifth seed in the East, which would see them matched up with the Magic in the first round. They are currently the seventh seed.