NEW YORK CITY- The Toronto Raptors came into the Garden Sunday night, with hopes of ending any type of momentum the Knicks had coming into the game. New York on Friday night outlasted the Boston Celtics 101-95, and picked up just their 2nd road victory, and 5th win on the year. This also snapped a 10 game losing streak they had been on since late November. The Knicks played well overall and the stats were representative as such. They held Boston to under double digit 3 pointers made (7, 31%) and just 18 free throw attempts. New York even was able to notch 13 steals and 5 blocks as a team. Offensively, the Knicks shot 49% from the field, had 26 team assists, and only committed 13 turnovers. This was a formula for success that the Knicks should have took notice to, and tried to continue going forward.
Sunday night in some ways New York took steps towards the right direction. They were able to limit Toronto to under double digit 3 pointers made (9, 37%), only 18 free throw attempts, and held the Raptors to only 30 points in the paint. The problem for the Knicks was sealing the deal, which has plagued them throughout the course of both of their lengthy losing streaks. Down the stretch the Knicks allowed the Raptors to eliminate the 4th quarter lead they had. Mental mistakes and defensive breakdowns allowed Toronto to come back, and have a chance to win in regulation. Kyle Lowry took a contested floater which fell short and sent the game to OT.
OT would be where Toronto took advantage of a drained New York ball club, and imposed its will on the game. Lowry would make a couple crucial buckets to seal the win for Toronto in OT. The lack or inability for the Knicks to run their offense late down the stretch has lead to bad possessions and turnovers. At crucial moments, you need players to step up and make plays. Whether it’s a defensive rebound or an open shot to take the lead, the Knicks don’t have players that can make winning plays consistently down the stretch.
Lowry finished the game with 21 points, 11 assists and 6 steals. Terrence Ross also had a strong game with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and a highlight dunk which is worth taking a look at. New York got a strong game from its starters, as everyone besides Quincy Acy scored in double figures. Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 34 points and also had 9 rebounds. With both Iman Shumpert and JR Smith out with injury, Tim Hardaway Jr. had a solid game adding 18 points and 6 rebounds. He will need to step up his perimeter defense though, as opponents are getting around him too often.
New York will face the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday night, looking to avenge a tough loss they suffered to the Mavericks earlier in Dallas. This will be Tyson Chandler’s first time back in the Garden since being traded in the off-season.
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