Karl-Anthony Towns made a triumphant return from a one-game absence, leading the New York Knicks to a 113-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. Towns posted 24 points and 15 rebounds, including a clutch layup and a decisive 3-pointer in the final 36 seconds to secure the Knicks’ fifth win in six games.
Jalen Brunson contributed 20 points and 11 assists, while Mikal Bridges added 23 points as the Knicks extended their winning streak over Toronto to five games. OG Anunoby scored 14 points in his first game against his former team, and Josh Hart chipped in with 10 points.
The Raptors suffered a blow when Scottie Barnes exited in the third quarter with a sprained right ankle. Barnes, who previously missed 11 games this season with a right orbital fracture, was unable to put weight on his injured leg as teammates helped him to the locker room.
RJ Barrett led Toronto with 30 points, while Jakob Poeltl recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. However, the Raptors couldn’t overcome late heroics from Towns and the Knicks’ balanced attack and we have a grade for every one of New York’s players tonight.Â
Karl-Anthony Towns: A
Stats: 24 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 fouls, 7-13 FG, 2-5 3PT, 36 mins
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a dominant performance, showcasing his all-around impact with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists. His clutch scoring in the final minute, including a pivotal layup and a dagger 3-pointer, was the key to securing the victory. His efficiency (7-13 FG) and composure under pressure highlighted why he’s such a valuable asset for the Knicks.
Jalen Brunson: A
Stats: 20 points, 4 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 foul, 7-13 FG, 4-8 3PT, 35 mins
Jalen Brunson was the engine of the Knicks’ offense, posting a double-double with 20 points and 11 assists. His ability to set the tempo and hit timely 3-pointers (4-8 3PT) kept New York’s offense running smoothly. Brunson’s decision-making and leadership were instrumental in the win.
Mikal Bridges: B+
Stats: 23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 foul, 9-14 FG, 5-8 3PT, 41 mins
Mikal Bridges was highly efficient, scoring 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. While he didn’t contribute much on the boards or as a playmaker, his scoring and floor-spacing were crucial. He also played a game-high 41 minutes, underscoring his reliability.
OG Anunoby: B
Stats: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 fouls, 6-14 FG, 2-9 3PT, 41 mins
In his first game against Toronto since being traded, Anunoby contributed 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists. While his shooting was inconsistent (6-14 FG, 2-9 3PT), his defensive presence and energy were valuable in a game with tight margins.
Josh Hart: B-
Stats: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 foul, 4-9 FG, 1-2 3PT, 32 mins
Josh Hart chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists in his typically scrappy style. His energy and hustle were evident, though he didn’t have a standout performance. His 4-of-9 shooting and strong defensive effort make him a steady contributor.
Miles McBride: C+
Stats: 8 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 foul, 3-6 FG, 2-4 3PT, 26 mins
McBride provided solid bench production with eight points, three rebounds, and five assists. He shot 50% from the field (3-6 FG, 2-4 3PT) and played strong perimeter defense. While his impact wasn’t massive, his effort was noticeable in his 26 minutes.
Precious Achiuwa: C+
Stats: 7 points, 6 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 foul, 3-7 FG, 0-0 3PT, 16 mins
Achiuwa added seven points and six rebounds in just 16 minutes. He was active on the boards and showed flashes of interior scoring. However, his limited minutes and lack of assists capped his overall impact.
Cameron Payne: C+
Stats: 7 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 fouls, 3-6 FG, 1-4 3PT, 13 mins
Cameron Payne provided seven points off the bench, shooting 3-of-6 from the field. His one assist and three fouls in 13 minutes reflect his limited influence on the game, though he hit a timely 3-pointer to keep the offense flowing.
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