Raptors’ Struggles Deepen with Loss to Knicks
The Toronto Raptors faced a disheartening defeat against the New York Knicks, falling 116-94 on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden. Coming off a previous loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Toronto was eager to turn the tide but instead found themselves mired in another disappointing performance.
Slow Start Haunts the Raptors
From the opening tip, the Raptors struggled to find their footing, quickly trailing by double digits in the first quarter. A staggering 41 points allowed in that initial frame set the tone for the night, leaving Toronto scrambling to catch up without ever gaining the lead.
Immanuel Quickley emerged as the standout for the Raptors, scoring 19 points, while Scottie Barnes contributed 18. Brandon Ingram added 14 points, and rookie Collin Murray-Boyles chipped in with 11 points. However, despite these contributions, the team’s overall performance fell flat.
Turnovers and Rebounding Woes
A critical factor in the Raptors’ inability to compete effectively was their failure to maintain possession. Toronto committed a staggering 18 turnovers, disrupting any rhythm on offense. Additionally, they struggled to control the boards, finishing the game with just 40 rebounds compared to the Knicks’ dominant total of 61. This discrepancy was evident throughout the game, as New York imposed its physicality early and often.
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Injuries played a significant role in the Raptors’ struggles. The absence of RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl was felt acutely. Barrett missed his third consecutive game due to a knee sprain, while Poeltl sat out the second night of a back-to-back as he continues to recover from a prior back injury. Both players are expected to return soon, with Poeltl likely to make his comeback in Toronto’s next matchup.
Looking Ahead
As the Raptors navigate a challenging road trip, they will soon return to the comforts of home for a five-game stretch, starting with a contest against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Despite the recent setbacks, the season’s ups and downs are familiar territory, even for the best teams. The Raptors, who previously enjoyed a nine-game winning streak, will need to regroup and learn from these losses to reclaim their momentum.
