Pro Sports

Anthony scores 25, Knicks beat Magic 113-106

Posted January 22, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony goes to the basket against Orlando Magic's Kyle O'Quinn during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points and the New York Knicks extended their season-high winning streak to three games with a 113-106 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

Jason Smith added a season-best 19 points for the Knicks, who improved to 8-36. Lance Thomas had 16 points, and Langston Galloway 15; both are in the midst of their second 10-day contract.

Nikola Vucevic led the way for the Magic (15-31) with 34 points and 18 rebounds. Elfrid Payton finished with 11 assists.

Orlando led 96-94 with 4:01 left after Tobias Harris completed a three-point play, but Galloway gave the Knicks the lead right back with a 3-pointer.

The Magic reclaimed the advantage on Vucevic's basket, making it 98-97 with 3:31 remaining. But Anthony's driving layup put New York back on top and the Knicks went on a 6-0 run that as capped by Thomas' basket with 1:55 left.

Payton's driving layup got the Magic close, making it a three-point game at 103-100 with 1:47 remaining. But the Knicks then went on a 9-2 run that sealed the victory.

TIP-INS

Orlando: Vucevic recorded his 26th double-double, which leads the NBA.

New York: Anthony isn't downplaying the opportunity to start in the NBA All-Star game. "I still get excited for these moments," he said. "It's a blessing to be able to represent New York here. I never thought I would be in an All-Star game here in New York. I never thought New York would get it again. But for the fans that vote me in, I honor that, I truly appreciate that. I'm (at a) loss words when it comes to that. It's definitely an honor and a blessing to be able to go out there and represent New York in the All-Star weekend. For me to be voted is a special feeling." ... Jose Calderon injured his left knee at the 7:11 mark of the third quarter after Payton bumped into him. Calderon left hobbling to the locker room, and the Knicks announced he had a bruised knee. He finished with four points.

UP NEXT

Orlando: The Magic host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

New York: The Knicks hit the road against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.

New York Knicks' Jason Smith (14) shoots against Orlando Magic's Channing Frye during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) The Associated Press

Orlando Magic's Nikola Vucevic, left, works in the post against New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) The Associated Press

New York Knicks' Langston Galloway (2) celebrates after hitting a 3-point shot against the Orlando Magic to make the score 108-102 late in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in New York. New York won 113-106. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) The Associated Press

Orlando Magic's Nikola Vucevic (9) scores against the New York Knicks during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) The Associated Press

New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony drives against Orlando Magic's Aaron Gordon during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) The Associated Press

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