The Toronto Raptors returned home to the Air Canada Centre to face the visiting New York Knicks, after being on the road for the past four games; winning their first 2 and lost their last 2.
Already without DeMarre Carroll who was ruled out again as he battles with plantar fasciitis, tough news came for the Raptors pre-game as it was announced that Terrence Ross suffered a thumb injury (initially deemed a sprain, later called a ligament injury) at a workout on Monday and would be missing the game against the Knicks, and with no timetable for his return:
DeMarre Carroll (sore right heel) and Terrence Ross (sprained left thumb) will be inactive for tonight’s game vs. NYK. JJ starts. #rtz
— RaptorsMR (@RaptorsMR) November 10, 2015
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Terrence Ross sustained a ligament injury to his left thumb in a Monday workout session. There is no timetable for his return. #rtz
— RaptorsMR (@RaptorsMR) November 11, 2015
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Both teams shot the ball well in this game; but there weren’t many stops from either team, which lead to the high scoring game. Outside of another slow start for the Raptors, only 17 points in the first quarter, the Raptors seemed to have their scoring touch with their midrange jumpshots, but only shot 4-17 from three point range, compared to the Knicks who shot 11-23 from three for 48%.
Kyle Lowry & DeMar DeRozan lead the way for Toronto. Lowry posted a near triple-double, with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists. DeRozan scored 29 points and added 5 rebounds. Cory Joseph had another VERY impactful game posting a near triple-double himself; 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. James Johnson who was starting again in DeMarre Carroll’s absence, had the task of guarding the Knicks’ superstar Carmelo Anthony. Carmelo still managed to score 25 points, but JJ made it tough on Carmelo on each offensive possession the Knicks had. The Raptors’ Anthony Bennett also came in and played just over 17 minutes, also doing his best to slow down Carmelo.
The Knicks’ Langston Galloway (15 points on 6-10 shooting, including 2 threes, and 4 assists), Lance Thomas (17 points on 5-7 shooting, including 3 threes), and Robin Lopez (12 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks) were the other impact players for New York in this game.
With 22 seconds left in the 4th quarter, Knicks leading 106-105, the Raptors putting pressure on Carmelo Anthony. Melo stepped out of bounds directly in front of the Raptors bench. Dwane Casey was right in front of it, and next to him was NBA referee Tony Brown…but no call was made. Incensing Casey, but to no avail. With only seconds to go in the game, on the Raptors final possession, DeMar DeRozan made a fantastic attempt on a reverse layup which hit every part of the rim, but refused to go in. The Raptors ran out of time to try and extend the game, falling 111-109.
With the loss the Raptors have now lost three straight games and have fallen to 5-3 on the season after a 5-0 start. With the win the Knickerbockers have improved to 4-4, winning two straight for the first time this season.
The Raptors will be in Philadelphia for a 7pm ET tip-off on Tuesday, Remembrance Day/Veterans Day, against the 76ers. (TV: TSN – Canada, Comcast Sportsnet – USA, NBA League Pass)
DeMar DeRozan:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjGl-YcAid8]Terrence Ross:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlqmlU3wvNA]Dwane Casey:
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