Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a dominant performance with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, while OG Anunoby matched his scoring output on an efficient 13-for-15 shooting night as the New York Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors 139-125 on Monday night.
Cam Payne provided a spark off the bench with 19 points, and the Knicks had seven players score in double figures, securing their fourth straight victory. Mikal Bridges added 14 points, while Jalen Brunson contributed 12 points and seven assists despite an off night from the field.
Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 24 points and eight assists, while RJ Barrett chipped in 23 points. However, the Raptors (7-23) dropped their eighth consecutive game as their defensive struggles continued.
Takeaways
Raptors: Toronto has struggled to contain opposing offenses, allowing at least 110 points in 10 of their last 11 games. The Raptors have also been abysmal on the road, falling 1-13 away from home this season.
Knicks: New York showcased its depth by shooting an impressive 59% from the field. Despite Brunson’s uncharacteristically poor shooting night (4-for-13 overall, 0-for-5 from three-point range), the Knicks still put up 70 points by halftime.
Key Moment
The Knicks took control in the second after an evenly matched first quarter where Toronto shot 52%. Cam Payne ignited the surge, draining two three-pointers and scoring 11 points in the period. New York outscored the Raptors 40-24 in the second quarter, turning a narrow 32-30 deficit into an 18-point lead at halftime.
Key Stat
Towns, the NBA’s leading rebounder, extended his streak of double-doubles to 18 games before fouling out in the fourth quarter. His 25 double-doubles this season trail only Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis.
Up Next
The Knicks will host San Antonio on Christmas Day, while the Raptors travel to Memphis for a Thursday night matchup against the Grizzlies.
