The Knicks erased a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to win their third straight game, defeating the Orlando Magic 105-103. >> Box Score

Five things to know from Thursday's game

1) Defense was the name of the game for the Knicks in the first half. In the first quarter alone, The Knicks forced seven turnovers, coming up with six steals and blocking three shots. As a result, the Knicks led 30-19 after one. The Knicks' maintained a 54-47 lead at halftime, but the third quarter was all Magic, as Orlando outscored New York 36-22.

In the fourth quarter, with Orlando up by as many as 10, the Knicks stormed back, thanks in part to hot shooting from Wayne Ellington, coupled with strong play by Elfrid Payton. A 14-point swing put the Knicks up 100-96 with under four minutes to play. With the Knicks leading by two in the final moments, Payton's eighth steal of the game sealed the win.

2) In the first game without Marcus Morris, the Knicks started both Payton and Frank Ntilikina in a backcourt, allowing them to start Reggie Bullock at the three spot. Coming off a triple-double, Payton was tremendous again, finishing with 15 points, nine assists, and seven steals. Bullock was 0-for-4 from three-point range, but did finish with 12 points.

3) RJ Barrett made his return to the court after missing the previous nine games with a high ankle sprain. In limited minutes, Barrett scored 12 points and added three rebounds and three assists in 18 minutes.

4) Taj Gibson and Julius Randle led the Knicks in scoring, something the team needed with former leading scorer Morris now a Clipper. Randle scored 22 points and added eight rebounds, while Gibson had 19 points and five rebounds.

5) Five members of the Magic scored in double figures, with Nikola Vucevic leading the way with 25 points and eight rebounds. Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, and Markelle Fultz all scored 16 points apiece.

Highlights

🗣 HESI pic.twitter.com/6lWetsQ4nA
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 7, 2020

Love a good defense to offense 💥 pic.twitter.com/KA6oq3QnJi
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 7, 2020

Good to see him back 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gnNAm2l0Ml
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 7, 2020

RJ 3⃣ ball pic.twitter.com/b2lcjQwuD5
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 7, 2020

Time for the Flamethrower 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pOSMNpendP
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 7, 2020

AND AGAIN pic.twitter.com/SlMpA0f1tj
- NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 7, 2020

What's next

The Knicks will have a travel day on Friday before facing off with the Pistons in Detroit on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 7:00pm

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