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The New York Knicks will try to win three straight games for the first time this season when they host the Orlando Magic Friday night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks ended a franchise-record 16-game losing streak with Monday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans, then handed the Philadelphia 76ers a 98-91 defeat Wednesday night.
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All-Star Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Jose Calderon added 15 points and seven assists. Tim Hardaway, Jr. scored 13 points for the Knicks, who shot 40.7 percent from the field and scored 18 points off 14 Philadelphia turnovers.
"For the players it feels great," Knicks head coach Derek Fisher said of the consecutive wins. "Sometimes you need some positive feedback."
New York has failed to reach the 100-point mark in 11 consecutive games and has a 4-17 record at home this season. The Knicks will visit the Charlotte Hornets Saturday night.
The Magic enter Friday's contest riding a three-game losing streak and suffered a 128-118 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.
Nikola Vucevic had 26 points and 15 rebounds, Victor Oladipo added 23 points and Tobias Harris scored 19 points off the bench in his return from an ankle injury. Harris last played on Jan. 9 and is averaging 18.0 ppg.
"It took a little bit to get going out there in the first half," said Harris. "I love this game so I'm going to play it to the best of my ability."
Orlando is 10-16 on the road and will host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.
The Magic defeated the Knicks, 97-95, on Nov. 12, as Evan Fournier led the charge with 28 points. Anthony scored 27 points in that one for the Knicks, who will visit Orlando on Feb. 11 and April 11.
New York has lost back-to-back games against Orlando after winning the previous eight meetings.
[SportsNetwork.com]
