2023-2024 Regular Season Game 31: New York Knicks (17-13) at Orlando Magic (18-12) - 7pm

[Rainwater]

LEGIT PROVOCATIVE QUESTION…

how is Paolo better than Randle?

Paolo is only in this second year and is doing things that Randle is doing know. And Paolo is is better all around player as well. Passer and dibbler. And don't believe this is the normal game for Randle.

*I'm certainly not rooting for Randle here...

Randle puts it on the floor and gets to the rim in traffic impressively and that's been his game. His career definitely started slower but he's had seasons where he averaged 24 ppg, 6.5 ASSISTS, and 10 rebs. In that same All-Star year, he shot 3's at 40+ %...that's what I really hope for from Paolo - and of course, an earlier rise to his peak. Randle gets a lot of crap...and I'm not sure why. Maybe it's just the nature of NY press. I grew up there and when I return to visit I read the Post and Daily News just for cringy laughs.

My hope is that Paolo gets up to 7 or more APG and really becomes more like Jokic than just a steamroller to the rim. He put up a lot of points lately, but he seems to be relying more on midrange fadeaway jumpers like Dirk. Great if you make them, but not really the most efficient shot to rely on. He's also stopped taking 3's and clearly prefers to bull his way to the rim - which he is elite at...but it does concern me that, if he becomes too predictable, he becomes easier (I didn't say "easy") to slow down or stop. He and Paolo are a tremendous foundation but watching Randle, you have to want to see Paolo develop "away" from that path.

I don't think you need to worry Paolo will be better if he already isn't.

[Skybox]

Paolo is only in this second year and is doing things that Randle is doing know. And Paolo is is better all around player as well. Passer and dibbler. And don't believe this is the normal game for Randle.

*I'm certainly not rooting for Randle here...

Randle puts it on the floor and gets to the rim in traffic impressively and that's been his game. His career definitely started slower but he's had seasons where he averaged 24 ppg, 6.5 ASSISTS, and 10 rebs. In that same All-Star year, he shot 3's at 40+ %...that's what I really hope for from Paolo - and of course, an earlier rise to his peak. Randle gets a lot of crap...and I'm not sure why. Maybe it's just the nature of NY press. I grew up there and when I return to visit I read the Post and Daily News just for cringy laughs.

My hope is that Paolo gets up to 7 or more APG and really becomes more like Jokic than just a steamroller to the rim. He put up a lot of points lately, but he seems to be relying more on midrange fadeaway jumpers like Dirk. Great if you make them, but not really the most efficient shot to rely on. He's also stopped taking 3's and clearly prefers to bull his way to the rim - which he is elite at...but it does concern me that, if he becomes too predictable, he becomes easier (I didn't say "easy") to slow down or stop. He and Paolo are a tremendous foundation but watching Randle, you have to want to see Paolo develop "away" from that path.

I don't think you need to worry Paolo will be better if he already isn't.

Not worried at all...just have a hopeful vision that's not limited to running guys over all night every night...fun to watch tho

[BCS]

The starting center spot belongs to Goga. It shouldn't even be a discussion.

Im starting to wonder if "knee tendinitis" is code for would rather play someone else.

I called it from day 1 with Fultz. Too much coincidence that as soon as his shot showed signs of his TOS flaring up again, he has knee tendinitis. And now WCJ out of nowhere, same thing when he does not look fully healed and ready after coming back. I think it is them trying to protect the player, saying that fultz shoulder is acting up is not a good look for him, but idk who they trying to fool.

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[Skybox]

The starting center spot belongs to Goga. It shouldn't even be a discussion.

Im starting to wonder if "knee tendinitis" is code for would rather play someone else.

I called it from day 1 with Fultz. Too much coincidence that as soon as his shot showed signs of his TOS flaring up again, he has knee tendinitis. And now WCJ out of nowhere, same thing when he does not look fully healed and ready after coming back. I think it is them trying to protect the player, saying that fultz shoulder is acting up is not a good look for him, but idk who they trying to fool.

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"Chronic knee tendinitis" isn't really great on the Trade Brochure either...I think they'll just have to go with "Expiring $17m Salary" as the headline.

[meatwad4343]

*I'm certainly not rooting for Randle here...

Randle puts it on the floor and gets to the rim in traffic impressively and that's been his game. His career definitely started slower but he's had seasons where he averaged 24 ppg, 6.5 ASSISTS, and 10 rebs. In that same All-Star year, he shot 3's at 40+ %...that's what I really hope for from Paolo - and of course, an earlier rise to his peak. Randle gets a lot of crap...and I'm not sure why. Maybe it's just the nature of NY press. I grew up there and when I return to visit I read the Post and Daily News just for cringy laughs.

My hope is that Paolo gets up to 7 or more APG and really becomes more like Jokic than just a steamroller to the rim. He put up a lot of points lately, but he seems to be relying more on midrange fadeaway jumpers like Dirk. Great if you make them, but not really the most efficient shot to rely on. He's also stopped taking 3's and clearly prefers to bull his way to the rim - which he is elite at...but it does concern me that, if he becomes too predictable, he becomes easier (I didn't say "easy") to slow down or stop. He and Paolo are a tremendous foundation but watching Randle, you have to want to see Paolo develop "away" from that path.

I don't think you need to worry Paolo will be better if he already isn't.

Not worried at all...just have a hopeful vision that's not limited to running guys over all night every night...fun to watch tho

Also Randle in year 2 was averaging 11 points and was pretty much labeled a bust. He's 29 now so he's as good as he's going to get and in his peak. Paulo is in year 2 averaging 21 and is just scratching the surface as to what he can peak at. No comparison. My guess is Paulo in his peak will easily be averaging 27-30 ppg with at least 7 assists and 9-10 rebounds

[eyriq]

Great win. Defensive struggle at its finest.

Brunson, Barrett, DiVincenzo, Hart, Quickley, and Grimes all with poor offensive games. Suggs, Black, and Franz with exceptional defense. Goga did his thing.

The bench sucked, again. They should be ashamed. Houstan and Okeke are not rotation level NBA players. Those development projects should be abandoned.

Franz and Paolo were amazing on offense.

[The-Stallion70]

Magic win big game me happ

[thelead]

Great win. Defensive struggle at its finest.

Brunson, Barrett, DiVincenzo, Hart, Quickley, and Grimes all with poor offensive games. Suggs, Black, and Franz with exceptional defense. Goga did his thing.

The bench sucked, again. They should be ashamed. Houstan and Okeke are not rotation level NBA players. Those development projects should be abandoned.

Franz and Paolo were amazing on offense.

I’m not completely out on Houstan but he needs more time with the Osceola club. He and Okeke had to play due injuries though. Kevon, Queen, and Jett are on the smaller side of wings.

[eyriq]

Great win. Defensive struggle at its finest.

Brunson, Barrett, DiVincenzo, Hart, Quickley, and Grimes all with poor offensive games. Suggs, Black, and Franz with exceptional defense. Goga did his thing.

The bench sucked, again. They should be ashamed. Houstan and Okeke are not rotation level NBA players. Those development projects should be abandoned.

Franz and Paolo were amazing on offense.

I’m not completely out on Houstan but he needs more time with the Osceola club. He and Okeke had to play due injuries though. Kevon, Queen, and Jett are on the smaller side of wings.

I have a few motivations for turning on Houstan. I would like Jett to jump him on the depth chart and I'd like a veteran 3rd string swingman.

[thelead]

We broke the Knicks ya’ll

Decided they needed better defenders to throw at Paolo and Franz immediately after the game

Just having fun but the timing is funny.

[ogmagicfan]

Great win. Defensive struggle at its finest.

Brunson, Barrett, DiVincenzo, Hart, Quickley, and Grimes all with poor offensive games. Suggs, Black, and Franz with exceptional defense. Goga did his thing.

The bench sucked, again. They should be ashamed. Houstan and Okeke are not rotation level NBA players. Those development projects should be abandoned.

Franz and Paolo were amazing on offense.

I’m not completely out on Houstan but he needs more time with the Osceola club. He and Okeke had to play due injuries though. Kevon, Queen, and Jett are on the smaller side of wings.

I honestly want to see Kevon get some minutes

He was looking good in Summer League, plays really hard & is a good defender

[BCS]

Was at pregame Shoot- around watching Houstan & Cole. Pretty sure I heard Lionel Chalmers say to Cole

"That's going to help. OG fits nice"

I'm pretty sure I heard that clear as day since they were less than 10 ft away from where I was standing.

Weltham might be going after OG

Lol...this was insider information right there, but it was to the wrong team. Seems like they knew he was being traded to the Knicks. Surprised RJ and IQ played last night and did they know...

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[richi_v25]

I just realized Evan Fournier plays for NY, what happen is he injured or are they just over him?

[Optimus_Steel]

I just realized Evan Fournier plays for NY, what happen is he injured or are they just over him?

I saw him in the bench, looked resigned to the fact he is not on the rotation. Wonder what he was thinking being back in Orlando. He has just been terrible and Thibs dislikes his defense, not surprising about the D. It was a bad contract signing for NY (4 year $73M), looks like next year is team option which will easily be declined . Making $19M this year, has played like 2 games….

[thelead]

I just realized Evan Fournier plays for NY, what happen is he injured or are they just over him?

They signed him, started him, noticed that he wasn’t a good starter so moved him to the bench, then noticed he wasn’t a good bench player either… so now he sits

[yoyojw17]

Great win. Defensive struggle at its finest.

Brunson, Barrett, DiVincenzo, Hart, Quickley, and Grimes all with poor offensive games. Suggs, Black, and Franz with exceptional defense. Goga did his thing.

The bench sucked, again. They should be ashamed. Houstan and Okeke are not rotation level NBA players. Those development projects should be abandoned.

Franz and Paolo were amazing on offense.

Come on man.... these were 3rd string being asked to step up into bigger shoes. the same way that some talk about reps and experience ... sometimes it's not as easy to do well when you want to do well in what might be one of your only chances. Nerves are a thing. But he played good defense and did his best. i would love to see him get extra minutes a lil more consistently. Okeke... i'm pretty OKay Okay with being down further on the bench and staying 3rd to the 3rd string... still love him though. lol

needless to say I would love both of them to try and do more than JUST SHOOT 3s.... cut.... drive.... post up.... do something... Okeke (.692) and Houstan (.938) .... geez. lol

[KillMonger]

Man what is it about this game that got knick fans so salty? All over my time line is just knick fans trying to put us down.... Am I missing something? It's just a regular season game

Sent from the phone in my hands

[eyriq]

Great win. Defensive struggle at its finest.

Brunson, Barrett, DiVincenzo, Hart, Quickley, and Grimes all with poor offensive games. Suggs, Black, and Franz with exceptional defense. Goga did his thing.

The bench sucked, again. They should be ashamed. Houstan and Okeke are not rotation level NBA players. Those development projects should be abandoned.

Franz and Paolo were amazing on offense.

Come on man.... these were 3rd string being asked to step up into bigger shoes. the same way that some talk about reps and experience ... sometimes it's not as easy to do well when you want to do well in what might be one of your only chances. Nerves are a thing. But he played good defense and did his best. i would love to see him get extra minutes a lil more consistently. Okeke... i'm pretty OKay Okay with being down further on the bench and staying 3rd to the 3rd string... still love him though. lol

needless to say I would love both of them to try and do more than JUST SHOOT 3s.... cut.... drive.... post up.... do something... Okeke (.692) and Houstan (.938) .... geez. lol

My point is that they are failed development projects. I'd rather we have veterans in their roles.

[drsd]

Great win...

I'm still worried about our lack of shooting lol

We were fortunate that the Knicks shot worse from 3 than us

But no question, we need better shooting. Franz & Paolo shooting well from 3 helped alot with their games tonight atleast

fortunate?

Orlando played excellent defense.

..

[drsd]

Some good results tonight:

Knicks lose
Raptors lose
Cavs lose
Nets lose
Hawks lose

The Magic is now 7-games up on the 11-seed (i.e. for the postseason). Orlando is actually closer to the 1-seed at "only" 6-games back.

Also: this win allowed Orlando to keep pace with Miami for the Southeast lead.