The Toronto Raptors lose 111-109 to the New York Knicks dropping their third straight game to Carmelo Anthony and friends. The Raptors struggled right out of the gate to find a rhythm, but eventually stayed the course and made their run in the second half.
There was crucial missed call in the final 30 seconds of the game. It’s New York possession, Anthony gets trapped on the sideline, then proceeds to not only travel by dragging the pivot foot (clearly shown and stated in both the Raptors, and Knicks television broadcast) – but also steps out of bounds. Right in front of Raptors head coach Dwane Casey – who almost loses his s***. The referees miss the call, Casey loses his mind and the refs continue the game without any referee review on the play.
Tough one to swallow folks, let’s hope the Raptors can pick up the pieces with a back-to-back against the Philadelphia 76ers tomorrow.
Offence: C+
About as average a grade that can be given to the Raptors on this night; struggled initially to facilitate shots, eventually finding their rhythm through early offence and running the floor. The Raptors shot ab abysmal near 30% from three, but an okay 44% from the field. What kept them afloat was 25 total assists, which was needed considering the absence of both DeMarre Carroll and Terrence Ross on the wings to spread the floor. DeMar DeRozan led the way with 29 points, and nine trips to the free-throw line, keeping the team afloat in the beginning with some significant drives to the basket; too bad he couldn’t get the reverse in the end. He made the right play, unfortunately he wasn’t rewarded.
Defense: C
Dwane Casey’s “defensive” team allowed the Knicks to shoot 44% from the field, 48% from three, turned them over only nine times, and allowed them to hit 111 points. Again, without the likes of Carroll and Ross defensively, in what was an onslaught from outside, but no excuse; inconsistent effort throughout the night. Some great individual defensive plays from James Johnson on Anthony, and some key steals from the point guards, but not enough to carry to a win.
Rebounding: B-
The Raptors did out-rebound the Knicks 49-44, however they did not close possessions well, allowing lots of scores off of second chances, and not being able to come up with the loose ball in the end. Kyle Lowry with an impressive seven rebounds, Luis Scola also adding in seven, and Jonas Valanciunas once again strong on the glass with nine. However, if JV didn’t have feet for hands, he would’ve had a 15-rebound night.
Game Ball: Carmelo Anthony
Kudos to Jose Calderon, Langston Galloway, and Lance Thomas for having solid performances, but Carmelo Anthony was a nuisance, putting up a solid 25-point game against big time second-half defense from James Johnson. Made some big time plays down the stretch as well.
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