Toronto Raptors edge past the New York Knicks 90-85: NBA Recap
After an impressive start to a compressed season, Toronto Raptors lost their momentum and lost three games in a row.
However, on Monday night, they came back strongly and put an end to their losing streak by edging past New York Knicks 90-85.
The Raptors started dominantly and were comfortably placed at 51-34 by the end of first half, however just like what have they been doing this season, they blew up the lead in the second half and allowed Knicks a passage to get
back in the game.
Knicks carved out a fierce run and got as close as 85-86 with few seconds remaining in the game, but this time Raptors did not choke in the end and with a flurry of free throws from Andrea Bargnani and Anthony Carter, sealed the
win.
"We didn't let their run get to us," DeMar DeRozan said. "The last couple of games you know teams made runs on us and we let it get to us and we kind of broke down on the defensive end. So tonight we didn't let that happen."
Knicks also got two chances in the end to score from the long range, to turn the game alive, however both the chances went begging as the ball after flirting with the post, popped out on both occasions.
Knicks were naturally disappointed with the outcome of the scrimmage but they had only themselves to blame. They were erratic throughout and the players looked lethargic most of the time.
"I thought the whole first half our energy was down. We didn't play real hard. And then I think we got a little snake bitten in the sense of when you're not playing hard, things aren't falling, it started being contagious and everybody
started missing shots, and we were playing on our heels," Coach Mike D'Antoni said.
Knicks were outshined by Raptors in each and every department, be it shooting from the floor (44.1%-35.9%), from downtown (41.2%-28.6), rebounds (44-39) or assists (21-14).
Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with a game high 35 points and 11 rebounds while Toney Douglas had 22 points. Knicks definitely missed their star Amar’e Stoudemire, who has now missed two straight games due to a sprained left ankle.
For Raptors, Andrea and DeRozan both accumulated 21 points apiece while Rasual Butler had a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards.
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