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On most nights, the Orlando Magic-New York Knicks matchup is, for the most part, competitive and not exactly low-scoring, either.  Monday night’s game between these two combatants would prove not to disappoint.  Dwight Howard got his points, as expected, but it was Hedo Turkoglu sparked a big second-half Magic rally, enabling Orlando to escape Madison Square Garden with the 106-102 win over New York.

Howard would dominate early, scoring 13 points in the first quarter; however, his teammates went 2-of-11 and as a result, the game was tied at 24.  Howard would have 20 at the half, but the Knicks would lead 54-50 going into the third quarter.  New York built an 11-point lead late in the third quarter before Turkoglu brought Orlando back.

He would convert a 3-point play in the fourth quarter then would drain a pair of 3-pointers as the Magic cut the Knicks’ lead down to 90-87 with 5 1/2 minutes left to go; a drive by Courtney Lee cut New York’s lead to one, Howard dunked, giving Orlando the lead and Turkoglu would then hit a layup – allowing the Magic to gain a 93-90 advantage with 3:20 remaining.  A Quentin Richardson trey tied the game, but the Magic’s Rafer Alston made a 3 of his own to give Orlando a permanent lead of 96-93.

Orlando’s high scorer was Howard with 29 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and 4 blocks while Lee added 22 with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals; Turkoglu chipped in 16 with 8 rebounds and 3 assists.

New York was led by Nate Robinson with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists while Richardson added 17 (including three 3-pointers) with 5 rebounds, an assist and a steal; Chris Duhon scored 16 (including three treys) with 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals while David Lee notched a double-double as he poured in 14 with 13 rebounds.  Orlando (52-18) doesn’t play again until Wednesday when they host the Boston Celtics while New York (28-42) remains at home to host the Los Angeles Clippers – also on Wednesday night.