On Monday, for the first time this season, the Knicks lost in a game they led entering the fourth quarter, falling to 19-1 in that situation after allowing the improved Magic to steal one on MLK Day at the Garden.

The Knicks certainly missed injured point guard Jalen Brunson in the closing minutes as the likely first-time All-Star guard sat out his second consecutive game due to a calf injury.

They will need Brunson back soon in order to take advantage of a section of the schedule that finally is in their favor.

It shouldn’t be overlooked that the Knicks have played the most road games (they’ve gone 12-12) and the fewest home games (11-5) in the NBA through 40 games as they approach the midpoint of the 82-game regular season Wednesday against the Rockets.