The New York Knicks delivered a much-needed statement win against the Toronto Raptors, bouncing back from their disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic. The final score of 112-98 doesn’t fully capture the Knicks’ dominance, as they led by a wider margin before garbage time set in.
OG Anunoby was the standout performer, continuing his trend of torching his former team. He put up an impressive 27 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Anunoby’s aggressive play was a welcome sight, especially considering his recent slump. His performance included a variety of offensive moves, from quick-trigger corner threes to powerful drives to the basket.
Karl-Anthony Towns made a triumphant return to the lineup, matching Anunoby’s 27 points while adding 13 rebounds. Despite some visible discomfort from his recent knee injury, Towns showcased his toughness and versatility. His presence on the court was a stark reminder of how much the Knicks missed him in their previous game.
Jalen Brunson, despite a relatively quiet scoring night, orchestrated the offense masterfully. The Raptors’ defensive strategy of double-teaming Brunson backfired, as he consistently found open teammates and created scoring opportunities. His playmaking was crucial in breaking down the Raptors’ defense and setting up easy baskets for his teammates.
The Knicks’ defense was particularly impressive, with all five starters putting in strong efforts on that end of the floor. Brunson, in particular, showed increased defensive intensity, flying around the court and making key plays.
Josh Hart had a standout game, notching a season-high in offensive rebounds and providing his usual energy and hustle. His ability to attack mismatches and finish at the rim was on full display.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks’ bounce-back performance, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
• Mikal Bridges’ ongoing shooting struggles
• Landry Shamet’s best game as a Knick
• The impact of the Knicks’ bench players
