The New York Knicks were prepared to host the Toronto Raptors for a Sunday matinee. They came into the game on an 8-game win streak and were looking for number 9. The last time these 2 teams met, the Knicks walked away with a 102-96 victory. Although it was a tight game most of the way, an explosive fourth quarter from the home team ultimately decided the outcome.
The Knicks came out the gate, ready to go. Julius Randle came out scoring 8 consecutive points consisting of two 3-pointers and a layup. Thanks to him, they were up 5 early on. However, just before the halfway point, the Raptors OG Anunoby made it a 2-point game. Later, Pascal Siakam’s layup gave them the lead. It was not long until the Knicks came back, though. RJ Barrett knocked in a basket from downtown to put his team up by 1 with about 4 minutes left. From that point, the game was kept close. The Knicks went into the second up 30-26.
Both Knick rookie’s – Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickley started the second quarter hitting 3-pointers which put them ahead by 6. The rest of the way, each team went tit-for-tat. Each time one team scored, the other had a response. The Knicks’ largest lead was 8, but toward the end of the quarter, it was back to a 2-point game. Reggie Bullock responded with his series of buckets from deep, forcing the Raptors to call timeout. After talking it over, they allowed the Knicks to take a 9-point lead. That would not last long as they soon cut it to 3. Nonetheless, the Knicks held on to their advantage and went into halftime on top 64-59.
Going into the third quarter, the Raptors capitalized off of Knick turnovers. Siakam was sent to the line twice, shooting 2 each. He made all 4, and his team took the lead for the first time since the opening quarter. That lead was short-lived as the Knicks defense started to tighten up. Offensively, they were strong from the start. In the third alone, their bench outscored the Raptors 29-8. The Knicks led 88-83 going into the fourth.
Just a minute into the fourth quarter, the Knicks went on a 9-0 run to put them up by 14. The Raptors tried to come back but would be unsuccessful. Toppin lit up, scoring two more 3-pointers and his team was ahead 16 at the 9:14 mark. He was 3-for-3 on the day from behind the arc. With about 5 minutes left, Anunoby bought the Raptors within 10. However, the Knicks prevailed and beat the Raptors 120-103. They have now won 9 straight.
Both Randle and Barrett finished with double-doubles. Randle scooped up 31 points and 10 rebounds. Barrett had 25 points and 12 rebounds. Leading the way for the Raptors was Fred VanVleet, who also earned a double-double with 27 points and 11 assists.
Coach Tom Thibodeau could not help but to commend his guys for being selfless and playing for each other.
“That’s the best part about the team,” he said. “Julius is our engine, but we have a lot of guys stepping up,” he added. “Everyone’s willing to share and put the team first and that’s what you need to have a winning team.”
Thibodeau also gave a lot of praise to Toppin. He acknowledged that his hard work in the game stems from his hard work at practice.
“Obi played great tonight, he said. “Our bench gave us a huge lift and he was at the heart of it.”
The No. 1 pick out of Dayton did not hesitate to vouch for himself as well.
“I feel like me putting up extra shots everyday and working on my defense everyday is helping me.” Toppin said.
Up Next:
Both teams will be back in action on Monday, April 26th at 7:30 pm. The Knicks look for number 10 as they host the Suns. The Raptors will host the Cavaliers.
