The Toronto Raptors got their second straight win as they cruised past division rivals the New York Knicks for a 122-95 victory. The Knicks had a slender lead at the end of the first quarter but the game was all Raptors from then on. A huge second quarter which saw Toronto out score the home side 31-15 put the game in the Raptors favour. The Knicks were incapable of responding to the efforts of the Raptors as Toronto came away with win number 37 for the season.
Kyle Lowry continued his fine form on his way to a triple double (22pts, 11reb, 11asts) but it was a team effort that got the job done. DeMar DeRozan also added 22 while Jonas Valanciunas managed 20 as the Raptors big 3 combined for 64 points. It wasn’t just the starters getting in on the scoring as Cory Joseph, Bismack Biyombo and Terrence Ross all had double figure points as did James Johnson. Carmelo Anthony was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points, he also finished with 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Every player who dressed for the night saw at least some game time.
Offense: A+
It’s hard to give anything less when the team finds scorers from all over on their way to a 122 point night. As a team the Raptors were 52.9% from the field and 44% from range. The fact Kyle Lowry was able to lead scorers and also manage 11 assists shows how versatile he can be. In another positive the Raptors only gave up 7 turnovers. Overall three key things contributed to the Raptors big night, lack of defence from the Knicks was one (who at times looked like they weren’t trying as Toronto put up 36 final quarter points), the Raptors big 3 was another, as mentioned earlier they combined for 64 and then there was the bench who managed 42 overall and were able to continue the scoring all night.
Defence: A
New York still found points but again the Raptors were able to hold an opponent to less than 100. Carmelo Anthony was an exception as he led the Knicks however his Latvian deputy Kristaps Porzingis had a night to forget as he had trouble with the Toronto bugs. Porzingis ended the game with a -27 impact and was soundly beaten in the rebounding department. Former Raptors guard Jose Calderon went scoreless on his two field attempts and most of the Knicks players were out matched overall.
Rebounding: A+
Kyle Lowry actually led the rebounding for the Raptors as he pulled in 11 while as a team the Raptors won the battle 47-40. The Knicks Robin Lopez tried to make up for the Porzingis no show with 13 and Carmelo Anthony gained 11. Every Raptor managed at least one for the game.
Game Ball: Kyle Lowry
The Raptors found contributors everywhere they looked but one man stood out tonight and to go with a triple double Kyle Lowry takes home the game ball. The All-Star starter simply ran the show as he lit up Madison Square Garden for a memorable night.
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