NEW YORK _ Any upward movement for the Orlando Magic in the future will be charted by the trajectory of their 3-pointers.
Despite their struggles and defensive challenges, the Magic are vastly improving their aggressive approach for the long ball.
They came to New York for a matchup against the Knicks having taken 2,238 3-point shots (making 791), and before the end of the first quarter they had eclipsed the record of 2,241 attempts during the 2009-10 season. They had made six of 18 3-pointers by halftime.
And they continued launching, making 11 of 36 3s and finishing strong in a 97-73 victory, their 23rd of the season against 54 defeats.
Mario Hezonja definitely lived up to his "Super Mario" nickname, making five of seven 3s to lead Orlando's long-distance charge.
Hezonja led the Magic with 19 points.
In contrast, the Knicks made just four of 27 3-pointers.
It's obvious that both teams are just playing out the minutes before the season ends next week, but at least the Magic are laying a foundation for the future in an up-tempo offense.
The Magic had averaged 29.4 3's a game heading into the matchup against the Knicks.
"I think we're getting there we always want to be more precise with our shot selection," Magic coach Frank Vogel said "Sometimes I think we settle too much. But the league has definitely adopted that style of play and we've changed dramatically from where we were last year.
"We have to improve our percentages, but with the guys who are in uniform and acquiring more shooters for next year."
All remaining five games are a bit of a trial run for a team jockeying for solid position in the NBA draft.
This victory won't help matters at all, as every percentage helps in the battle for Ping-Pong balls. But you can't fault a team for trying, can you?
The Magic are showing moments of competitive fire at times, playing a bunch of young 'uns, even if it's another bad team.
In a lineup twist likely dictated by injuries and a focus on the future, Khem Birch came off the bench and played some strong minutes at center behind starter Nikola Vucevic.
Birch had two points and two blocked shots by halftime.
At least it was a competitive game of two teams going nowhere, with defensive lapses a common sight.
The Magic took a 68-61 lead on a _ wait for it _ 3-pointer by Jamel Artis in the closing seconds of the third quarter for their largest lead of the game.
Birch then took a lob pass from Shelvin Mack to score a dunk on the first possession of the final quarter.
The Magic then extended the lead to 80-67 on a 3-pointer by Hezonja.
Whether it's inside or outside, the Magic will continue to mix and match as the season ends shortly. The emphasis on the 3 will extend much longer than the 2017-18 season.
It's not just a trend in the pros. Villanova's 95-79 victory against Kansas in a national semifinal at the Final Four was largely based on 3-point proficiency. Villanova was 18 of 40 on 3s, 15 more attempts than the 25 tries at 2-point shots.
"You watched that NCAA game last night and what's happening in our league," Vogel said. "It's an effective style of play."
