Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks with an outstanding performance, scoring 35 points, while Josh Hart added 21 as the team triumphed over the struggling Toronto Raptors, securing a 117-101 victory on Tuesday night. This win marks a historic milestone for the Knicks, advancing them to the semifinals of the NBA Cup for the first time, where they are set to face the Orlando Magic, who defeated the Miami Heat earlier in the day.
Returning from a calf injury, Knicks’ star Karl-Anthony Towns made a significant impact, contributing 14 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. The Knicks displayed a well-rounded offensive performance with support from Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, who scored 15 and 13 points respectively, against their former team.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as the Knicks have now made it to the quarterfinals in all three editions of the NBA Cup, overcoming their previous struggles in the tournament with a cumulative loss margin of 32 points in their past attempts. With an impressive record of 11-4 in NBA Cup play, the Knicks are optimistic about continuing their success as they advance in the tournament.
Brunson’s performance was remarkable, with 26 of his points scored in the first half, marking his highest scoring half of the season. The Knicks took control of the game with a commanding 69-52 halftime lead, capitalizing on the Raptors’ poor shooting, especially in the second quarter. Despite standout performances from Toronto’s Brandon Ingram, who scored 31 points, and Jamal Shead, achieving a career-high 18 points, the Raptors suffered their fourth consecutive loss at home.
The Raptors, despite a strong group stage showing with four victories, are currently on a rough patch, falling to 1-6 in their last seven games. They played without former Knicks player Immanuel Quickley, sidelined due to illness, and RJ Barrett, who missed his ninth straight game due to a sprained knee.
As the Knicks build momentum, they are set to face the Magic in the semifinal, showcasing their resilience and determination in the ongoing NBA Cup tournament. With their recent successes, the Knicks are poised for an exciting matchup and hope to continue their positive trajectory.