In a disappointing display of basketball, the Toronto Raptors faltered in the second half, leading to a 119-92 defeat against the New York Knicks on Wednesday evening. Despite holding a 12-point lead at one stage, the Raptors were outscored 35-19 in the third quarter, marking the end of their four-game winning streak. Brandon Ingram led Toronto with 27 points, but the team’s inability to maintain their momentum proved costly.
A Tale of Two Halves
The Raptors started strong, showcasing an energetic offence in the opening two quarters. However, the tide turned dramatically after halftime. “We’ve just got to put together 48 minutes. We know that,” Ingram remarked, reflecting on the team’s struggles to seal the deal against a fierce divisional rival. The Raptors appeared to lose their rhythm, allowing the Knicks to seize control of the game.
Mikal Bridges was instrumental for New York, scoring 30 points and delivering a crucial 11 consecutive points in the final stretch of the third quarter. Meanwhile, OG Anunoby, facing his former team, contributed significantly with 26 points and a season-high six steals.
Missed Opportunities and Offensive Stagnation
Toronto’s head coach, Darko Rajakovic, noted that the Raptors fell into the trap of forcing plays rather than adapting to the Knicks’ defence. “You cannot force-feed somebody when he’s being completely denied,” he explained, highlighting the team’s eight turnovers in the critical third quarter. Ingram echoed these sentiments, stating that the team’s offensive flow stagnated, particularly as New York ramped up their physicality.
Scottie Barnes managed a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, but the collective effort of the Raptors was not enough to overcome the Knicks’ resurgence. RJ Barrett, the Mississauga native, added 14 points in limited minutes as he continues to recover from a sprained ankle.
A Frustrating Home Record
With this loss, Toronto now finds itself at 0-8 against the Knicks since the trade that sent Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa to New York in exchange for Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. This latest setback has seen the Raptors drop to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, a full game behind both the Knicks and the Boston Celtics. Notably, Toronto’s home record now stands at 13-11, significantly poorer than their 16-9 away performance.
Ingram pondered the team’s struggles at home, joking, “I guess we get excited when we go on the road. I don’t know, but we’ll figure it out.” His light-hearted comment underscores the pressing need for the Raptors to address their inconsistent home form as they look ahead to future matchups.
Why it Matters
This loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the Raptors face as they navigate a competitive Eastern Conference. With crucial games ahead, the team’s ability to adapt and maintain composure over the full duration of matches will be paramount. As the season progresses, finding a solution to their home struggles could be the key to reclaiming their position as a playoff contender.
