Hardaway scores 27 as the Knicks fall 112-128 in Toronto

Tim Hardaway Jr. erupted with a game high 27 points, shooting 11-17 from the field but the New York Knicks were no match for NBA’s leaders, the Toronto Raptors, who held the Knicks to a 112-128 victory on their home court on Saturday afternoon.

Boxscore

Coach Fizdale’s strategy to contain Kawhi Leonard worked, as the Raptors star was kept to under 20 points for the second time in the last nine games and scored just 12. His team, however, responded with Pascal Siakam, who posted a career-high 23 points, missing just one field goal, and that from behind the arc.

 

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The Knicks, who trailed by 11 points in the second quarter, came strong after halftime and managed to cut the lead to just 1 point early in the third quarter. The reply came soon as the Raptors backed by Siakam and Jonas Valanciunas quickly built a 20 points lead during a span of 10 minutes, keeping Toronto undefeated at home.

“That’s why they’re so good. They have that supporting cast that comes in and they take care of business. It’s as simple as that.”

– Tim Hardaway Jr.

Enes Kanter posted another doube-double off the bench with 15 and 15, Mario Hezonja scored 13, while Emmanuel Mudiay and rookie Kevin Knox added each 12 buckets.

For Toronto, Leonard and Kyle Lowry combined 22 points, while off the bench Valanciunas scored 19 and OG Anunoby added 16.

New York got another blow prior to the game when the news of Jimmy Butler – a name that was in the Knicks’ radar for the next summer – being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers started to surface. The Sixers sent Dario Saric, Robert Covington and a second rounder according to the New York Post.

The Knicks (4-9) will host tonight the Orlando Magic (5-9).