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Knicks aim to stay on track in visit with Magic

Feb 21, 2014 - 3:09 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The New York Knicks halted a three-game slide last time out and they'll try to build some momentum as they visit the Amway Center to face the Orlando Magic.

The Knicks also snapped a five-game road losing streak with Wednesday's 98-91 decision over the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.

Carmelo Anthony got the New York Knicks back in the win column by pouring in 42 points. Anthony, just three days removed from hitting an All-Star Game- record eight shots from 3-point range in the very same venue, played brilliantly on both ends of the floor late to secure the win.

"I thought our defense got really stingy coming down the stretch in terms of getting stops and then (Anthony) was able to offensively bring us home," Knicks head coach Mike Woodson said.

J.R. Smith added 19 points in only New York's second victory in its last eight outings, with fellow reserve Tim Hardaway Jr. finishing with 16 points in the triumph.

The Knicks played without forward Amare Stoudemire due to a sore left knee, while swingman Iman Shumpert exited in the third quarter with a left knee injury.

The Knicks end their four-game southern road trip Saturday in Atlanta.

The Magic didn't make any trades on deadline day, but they did make a move.

Orlando bought out the remainder of Glen Davis' contract and the move might officially be announced on Friday.

"It became apparent that they felt it was necessary to try to allow their younger players more time on the court and were in a full rebuild mode," Davis' agent, John Hamilton told the Orlando Sentinel.

Orlando has lost three straight, including two in a row on the road after the break.

On Wednesday, the Magic fell at Quicken Loans Arena, 101-93 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Arron Afflalo paced the struggling Magic with 23 points, while Nikola Vucevic deposited a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double. Orlando has now lost 14 straight games on the road, but is 5-1 in its last six at home.

The Magic missed their first nine shots on Wednesday and 11 of the first 12 tries.

"We just came out very slow at the start and defensively we weren't doing the right things," Vucevic said. "Offensively, we were taking quick shots and we weren't moving the ball or being patient. We had to fight our way back and we did, but you just can't start games like that and win."

Jameer Nelson needs seven points on Friday to pass Shaquille O'Neal for fourth on the Magic's all-time points list.

The Knicks have won eight straight against the Magic, including two matchups this season and four in a row in Orlando.