Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Instant Analysis: Knicks Hold Off Tough Raptors Challenge In Nail-Biting Win
The New York Knicks picked up a 113-108 win over the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto tonight as part of the only NBA game available tonight. It was a nail-biting affair that stayed a single-digit game for almost the entire 48 minutes, as both franchises were embroiled in a hard-fought battle.
Karl-Anthony Towns continued his spectacular form with 24 points (7-13 FG), 15 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Mikal Bridges added 23 points (9-14 FG) of his own. Jalen Brunson had 20 points (7-13 FG) and 11 assists, while OG Anunoby put up 14 points (6-14 FG), two steals, and three blocks in his first game back in Toronto after being traded last season.
The Raptors almost picked up an impressive win led by RJ Barrett's 30 points (13-24 FG), eight rebounds, and four assists. No other Raptor cracked the 20-point mark, with Ja'Kobe Walter dropping 19 points (6-12 FG). Jakob Poeltl notched a double-double with 10 points (4-8 FG) and 12 rebounds, while Scottie Barnes put up 15 points (5-11 FG) in 22 minutes before leaving the game with an injury, hurting the Raptors' chances of victory.
Let's take a deeper look at what transpired during this game.
Efficient Possessions Make A Difference
The New York Knicks were challenged hard by the Toronto Raptors in this game, as the Raptors were trying to be more physical to put the Knicks out of the game and steal a win. This is clear with the stark 40-51 rebounding differential in Toronto's favor, who also registered 16 personal fouls to the Knicks' 13 during the game. Knicks won out on the margins of more impactful team statistics which helped them seal the win.
The Knicks were efficient from the field with 42-82 (51.2 FG%) on their buckets while the Raptors went 43-96 (44.8 FG%). Despite the Raptors having a rebounding edge, creating more second-chance opportunities, and shooting 14 more shots than the Knicks, they fell short.
The Knicks were a better outside shooting team, going 17-40 (42.5 3P%) compared to the Raptors' 13-35 (37.1 3P%) from outside. Toronto shot 9-11 (81.8 FT%) from the free throw line, an area where the Knicks struggled, going 12-19 (63.2 FT%).
This win was possible because the Knicks maximized the possessions they had, ensuring they scored at an efficient rate with a diverse shot diet which kept the Raptors' defense uncomfortable for most of the night. While the Raptors managed to intelligently limit shots, they couldn't stop the Knicks from finding efficiency.
Balanced Scoring From The Knicks
The Knicks believe in the value of strength in numbers after loading up this season to create a star starting five, accentuated by the additions of Towns, Bridges, and Anunoby from last season. Alongside Brunson and Hart, this might be the best starting five in the NBA that's capable of upsetting the Boston Celtics if push comes to shove. Their offensive display tonight proves how comfortable they already are on the court.
Out of the five starters, two attempted 14 shots (Anunoby and Bridges) while two attempted 13 shots (Towns and Brunson), and Josh Hart attempted nine shots (10 PTS). This is amazingly well-distributed among the five starters, with Hart's nine attempts being on par with his season average for shots per game (9.1). They have found a balanced way to ensure they all get touches while impacting the game and not overloading themselves with responsibility.
No Knicks player shot under 40% from the field on the game, showing how efficient these players are becoming at finding their spots within the flow of the offense and converting consistently. This Knicks offense might be ridiculously hard to stop, as you can't double anyone due to the strength of the rest. This strength might push the Knicks to the next level this season.
RJ Barrett's Revenge Game
RJ Barrett (30 PTS, 8 REB) was a proud New York Knicks for almost five whole seasons before being traded by the franchise which drafted him No. 3 overall in 2019 to the Toronto Raptors. Since joining the Raptors, Barrett has averaged 22.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, albeit on a team that hasn't come close to being called a Playoff threat. This was his revenge game, and his performance almost carried the Raptors to this win.
Despite the Knicks' overall sophisticated manner of playing, their star defensive wings had no answer for Barrett, who almost single-handedly earned this win. He looks like a more composed offensive player representing his hometown franchise as compared to being constantly stressed about the weight of expectations in New York.
His performance is one of the biggest takeaways from this game because it shows Barrett might be actually realizing his potential as a top star in the NBA which the Knicks felt wouldn't happen. He failed to carry his squad to the win tonight, but the Raptors have plenty of reasons to be excited about Barrett growing alongside Scottie Barnes, who picked up an unfortunate injury during this loss.
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