By Joshua Newman, for NBA.com
THE FACTS: Strained right groin or not, the New York Knicks needed Carmelo Anthony to take control withAmar’e Stoudemire (bulging disc in lower back) and Jeremy Lin (sore left knee) sidelined. Anthony was happy to oblige.
With a noticeable limp and hampered lateral movement, Anthony gutted out a 25-point night in 26 minutes of action, all over the first three quarters, to propel the Knicks to a 108-86 victory over the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden.
Anthony scored 12 of his game-high 25 as part of a dominant 33-18 third quarter for the home team. Rookie guard Iman Shumpert added a career-high 25 points, while Baron Davis finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Inside that 33-18 third quarter was a season-best 21-0 run.
For the Magic, Jameer Nelson started hot with 11 points in the first quarter on his way to a team-high 17.
QUOTABLE: “He changes the game from a defensive standpoint. It didn’t hurt him tonight that he had his jumpshot going.”
— Knicks interim head coach Mike Woodson on Shumpert.
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