Melo Explodes In Fourth Quarter, Knicks Outlast Magic

J.R. Smith added 18 points off the bench and Tyson Chandler had 14 points and 12 rebounds.

The Knicks have won two straight overall and four in a row over the Magic, dating back to last season.

Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson each had 29 points to lead the Magic, and Nik Vucevic contributed 11 points and 18 rebounds.

Orlando outrebounded New York 45-40, but had 14 turnovers as it extended its longest losing streak of the season to eight games.

All of the losses have come since the injury of starting forward Glen Davis, who continues to rehab his sprained left shoulder.

The Magic flipped a four-point halftime deficit into an 89-81 lead entering the fourth.

The Knicks rallied using their size, going up 99-97 on a dunk by Chandler with 5:14 left.

Orlando's Josh McRoberts got tangled up underneath with Chandler a few trips later and was whistled for a technical. Steve Novak knocked down the ensuing free throw and pushed the Knicks' lead to 102-98.

It was 106-102 when Jason Kidd swished a 3-pointer from the corner with less than two minutes to play.

Afflalo got a layup to drop a few possessions later, but Anthony quickly answered with a hanging 16-footer. The Magic were forced to foul and the Knicks then closed it out at the foul line.

Nelson kept the Magic in the game for most of the second half, but was held scoreless in the final period.

Knicks coach Mike Woodson started veteran Marcus Camby for the second straight game, citing the defensive presence he brought to the game early in their recent win over San Antonio.

Orlando had other plans to open the game Saturday.

Nelson scored eight of the Magic's first 11 points as Orlando built a 14-2 first quarter lead, forcing a quick New York timeout.

Orlando held its cushion for most of the half until a 9-0 spurt by the Knicks late in the second quarter gave them their largest lead at 55-48.

The Magic were just 7 of 19 from the field in the second quarter, with seven turnovers. New York took a 59-55 edge into halftime.

NOTES: Amar'e Stoudemire honored his late brother, Hazell Stoudemire, by providing tickets for 30 children from their Lake Wales, Fla. hometown to watch Saturday's game. Hazell, known as "Big STAT", died in February of last year in a car accident. His birthday would have been Friday. "I think of my brother and the knowledge he gave me every day," Amar'e Stoudemire said. "I hope by giving these children this unique experience, I will pay forward some of the positive impact Hazell made on me and my family." ...Knicks F Rasheed Wallace sat out again as he continues to get treatment for a sore left foot. He remains day-to-day. Wallace hasn't played since Dec. 13.