The Knicks established a strong early lead of 24 points and recovered from a challenging second quarter to decisively defeat the Toronto Raptors 116-94 on Sunday night.
Key highlights from the game include:
– In his seventh start this season, Miles McBride helped the Knicks surge ahead by sinking four three-pointers in the first five minutes. Following his third shot in the fourth quarter, McBride had successfully made 14 of his last 17 attempts from beyond the arc, igniting teammate Jalen Brunson, who also contributed with a three-pointer, inside scoring, and a baseline jumper.
– Josh Hart was vulnerable at the 3-point line early on but quickly responded with a powerful two-handed dunk that boosted New York’s lead to 32-17, forcing Toronto to call a timeout late in the first quarter. The Knicks maintained momentum with Clarkson hitting back-to-back three-pointers and Gershon Yabusele contributing their ninth three-pointer of the quarter, ending it with a strong 41-22 lead backed by impressive 64% shooting from deep compared to the Raptors’ 13%.
– Tyler Korek started the second quarter with high energy, making offensive rebounds, scoring inside, and forcing turnovers. Despite Hart’s effort to score New York’s 10th basket, Scotty Burns sparked the Raptors with three consecutive three-pointers, prompting a discussion from coach Mike Brown. A 14-0 run from Toronto cut the lead to 10 points before McBride scored again.
– Toronto narrowed the gap to five points, but the Knicks fought back with consecutive offensive rebounds and points. Mikal Bridges nailed his second three-pointer, and Brunson overcame a slow quarter with an and-one play and a steal, while Hart’s inside scoring extended the lead back to double digits.
– The Raptors outscored the Knicks 30-18 in the second quarter and trailed by just seven points, 59-52, at halftime. New York’s hot three-point shooting cooled down, hitting only 2 of 14 attempts, though McBride led with 14 points, Brunson added 10, and Burns led Toronto with 16 points, including four threes.
– Former Knicks player Immanuel Quickley scored five straight points for Toronto early in the third quarter, but Brunson responded with a scoop layup. Burns continued to attack, connecting on two more three-pointers to bring Toronto within five points, finishing the game with 19 points.
– Hart took control in the third quarter, scoring eight consecutive points, igniting his team with a fastbreak dunk alongside Bridges, as the Knicks went on a 16-1 run to lead 84-68. Hart’s late three-pointer pushed his total to 20 points, with New York ahead 93-77 after three quarters.
– In the fourth quarter, Kolek found Clarkson for a score, and Karl Anthony Towns made a significant dunk. Brandon Ingram hit back-to-back threes to reduce the deficit, while Mitchell Robinson showed hustle with multiple offensive rebounds despite missing a foul shot. Towns hit his first three-pointer of the game, extending the Knicks’ lead to 106-83 with seven minutes remaining.
The Knicks rested their starters late in the game, ultimately winning 116-94. Towns led the team with 22 points despite early shooting struggles, and Brunson added 18 points. New York dominated the boards 61-40, including 25 offensive rebounds (seven by Robinson), marking their highest total since 2019.
Game MVP: Josh Hart
Hart provided vital energy and a standout performance in the third quarter after a tough first half, finishing with 20 points, four three-pointers, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
What’s next:
The Knicks will face the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night at 8 p.m.
Fan Take: This win showcases the Knicks’ depth and resilience, making them a formidable contender this season. For basketball fans, seeing the development of players like Hart and McBride gives plenty to be excited about as the sport continues to evolve with fresh talent stepping up in critical moments.
