In a thrilling matchup, the New York Knicks edged the Toronto Raptors 113-108 on Monday night, marking their fifth victory in the last six games. Karl-Anthony Towns, returning from a brief absence due to knee soreness, delivered an impressive performance with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Jalen Brunson also contributed significantly, scoring 20 points and dishing out 11 assists.
The game’s climax came when Towns broke a tie with a critical layup with just 36 seconds left. He then secured the win by nailing a 3-pointer shortly after, showcasing both skill and poise under pressure. Mikal Bridges further bolstered the Knicks’ effort by adding 23 points, while OG Anunoby and Josh Hart chipped in with 14 and 10 points, respectively.
The Raptors faced challenges as forward Scottie Barnes exited midway through the third quarter with a sprained right ankle. Barnes had previously missed 11 games earlier this season due to an orbital fracture and had just returned to play.
RJ Barrett emerged as a standout for Toronto, scoring 30 points, while Jakob Poeltl recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Rookie guard Ja’Kobe Walter also had a notable performance, tying his career high with 19 points.
A pivotal moment occurred when Barnes injured himself while competing for a defensive rebound against Towns. Despite this setback, the Raptors continued to fight but ultimately fell short.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will prepare to host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday for the NBA Cup quarterfinals, while the Raptors will take on the Miami Heat on Thursday.
This victory reflects the Knicks’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure, highlighting their potential as the season progresses. With key players like Towns back in form, fans can look forward to exciting matchups in the coming weeks.