Raptors win at MSG, beat Knicks 93-89

The Raptors were in New York City to face the New York Knicks at the world famous Madison Square Garden for their 80th game of the 2015-16 season. Although the Raptors are unable to lose their second seed in the East with the number of games remaining, they still have the opportunity to catch and overtake the Cleveland Cavaliers for first place in the Eastern Conference over the remaining regular season games.

The Knicks opened up a 25-20 lead after the first quarter, and battled the Raptors throughout the game. Toronto were sizzling in the second quarter, scoring 34 points on 67% shooting, carrying the Raptors to a 54-51 halftime lead. The second half was a low scoring affair, as the Raptors only scored 39 points (21 in the third quarter, and 18 in the fourth) and the Knicks managed just 38 themselves (18 in the third quarter, and 20 in the fourth). The Raptors held on for a 93-89 road win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

The Raptors shot just 12 of 19 from the free throw line in the game, 63%. It marks the second straight game where DeMar DeRozan has attempted only 3 free throws or less. DeRozan averages 8.5 free throw attempts per game, which is the third highest per game in the NBA this season.

The game did provide a moment in Raptors history, as DeMar DeRozan passed Vince Carter to become second on the Toronto Raptors all-time scoring list. Chris Bosh is still in first place in the Raptors’ record books, but DeRozan is now less than 900 points behind Bosh for the franchise’s all-time scoring spot.

DeMarre Carroll played in this game, marking his second game played since his return to action. He played 18 minutes, and equalled his scoring tally from his game vs the Hawks with five points. Carroll also added five rebounds, one block, and one steal. James Johnson was given the night off by Raptors coaching staff to rest. Kristaps Porzingis did not play for the New York Knicks in this game as he is dealing with a strained right shoulder.

Notable Raptors stat lines:

Jonas Valanciunas – 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks
DeMar DeRozan – 27 points (12 of 17 shooting), three rebounds, four assists
Kyle Lowry – 15 points, seven steals, two steals
Terrence Ross – 13 points

Notable Knicks stat lines:

Carmelo Anthony – 21 points, six rebounds, three assists, 1 block
Robin Lopez – Ten points, five rebounds
Jerian Grant – 19 points, three rebounds, three steals
Sasha Vujacic – 13 points, eight rebounds, one block
Kyle O’Quinn – Eight points, ten rebounds, three assists

Postgame Reactions:

DeMarre Carroll

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NL2DWnjBm4]

Kyle Lowry

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Enrdg_2urEI]

Dwane Casey

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQf6R4YpLsY]

DeMar DeRozan

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESWoKuVp-8c]