Knicks cruise past Raptors 119-106, improve 10-0 against teams with losing records

In a convincing display of skill, the New York Knicks secured a 119-106 victory against the Toronto Raptors last night in Canada.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 22 points and 8 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Julius Randle also made significant contributions, recording a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and an impressive 9 assists.

The Knicks took control of the game in the third quarter, outscoring the Raptors 33-20. This pivotal period set the tone for the rest of the matchup, allowing the Knicks to maintain their lead. Josh Hart played a crucial role in this surge, scoring 15 of his 17 points in the third quarter, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.

Hart’s scoring outburst came in a remarkable span of just three and a half minutes, during which he single-handedly shouldered the scoring responsibility for the Knicks. Immanuel Quickley‘s two successful free throws in the closing seconds of the third quarter further extended the Knicks’ lead to 90-77, breaking the halftime tie at 57.

 “I feel like I’m doing a better job of that the last several games. It’s just about coming out and being aggressive and when the guy finds me open just let it fly and find my game.”

– Josh Hart

The fourth quarter showcased the strength of the Villanova connection, as Donte DiVincenzo contributed 12 points, including four three-pointers. DiVincenzo played probably his best game since being signed by the Knicks, finishing with 21 points while going 7-9 from behind the arc.

The trio of Villanova alumni—Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo—combined for an impressive total of 60 points, underscoring their collective impact on the game.

On the Raptors’ side, Scottie Barnes led the scoring with a game-high 29 points, while Pascal Siakam contributed 21 points, and Jakob Poeltl secured a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

A key moment in the game occurred when Precious Achuwa’s dunk with 2:51 left in the third quarter narrowed the lead to 78-75. However, the Knicks responded with a decisive 10-0 run to regain control.

The Knicks’ bench proved instrumental in the victory, contributing 52 points compared to the Raptors’ 25. The three-point shooting also favored the Knicks, making 16 shots from beyond the arc compared to the Raptors’ 6.

This game marked the Knicks’ fifth back-to-back of the season, and for the second time, they swept both games. Additionally, the victory extended the Knicks’ undefeated record to 10-0 against teams with losing records, solidifying their dominance against less successful opponents.

Up-next: The Knicks (12-7) will travel to Milwaukee to fight the Bucks (13-6) for the Vegas tickets in the In-Season Tournament’s quarter finals.