By John Denton

January 30, 2013

NEW YORK – For much of Wednesday, the Orlando Magic displayed the kind of grit and resiliency that head coach Jacque Vaughn has grown to love about this team. Guards Jameer Nelson and J.J. Redick carried the offense, while the defense did its best to slow New York superstar Carmelo Anthony. But as the game wore on, a devastating injury to Glen ``Big Baby’’ Davis further sabotaged the short-handed Magic, and attrition and a talent deficit won out, resulting in another lost night for Orlando. Despite red-hot shooting and valiant efforts from Nelson and Redick, the Magic couldn’t keep pace with the Knicks more than a half, again gave up a flurry of fourth-quarter 3-pointers and lost 113-97 to New York. Davis, who was in the midst of his finest season as a pro, was likely lost for the rest of the season when he fractured his left foot early in the game. The team found out about the news of the crippling injury midway through Wednesday’s game, sapping the life out of the squad. ``Injuries are a part of it and unfortunately it happened to (Davis),’’ said Nelson, a fellow co-captain. ``I just wish him the best. I gave him a hug, but there’s really nothing you can say to a man like that. I told him I’m here for him and I just hope everything goes well for him.’’ Davis, who had two points and three assists in his four minutes on the court, missed three-plus weeks in December and January because of a severely sprained left shoulder. He worked hard to return ahead of schedule and had been back for nine games before Wednesday’s injury. Davis was sent back to Orlando late Wednesday night for further evaluations. ``It’s really unfortunate because I know that he looked forward to this year,’’ Vaughn said. ``This was new territory for him (being a captain and a starter). So it’s really unfortunate for him to be hurt this year for multiple times.’’ CLICK HERE FOR REST OF STORY>>>> ORLANDOMAGIC.COM FEATURES: Vucevic Earns Spot in Rising Stars Challenge Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by John Denton are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Magic and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.

Follow John Denton on Twitter here