Recap: New York Knicks defeat Toronto Raptors 110-84 (3/23/13)

Brian Boake — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 12:44:51 +0000

The Toronto Raptors faced the New York Knicks without Rudy Gay, and with a hobbled Amir Johnson. The result was another ugly defeat in a season full of them. The Knicks are injury-riddled as well, but their mission-critical offensive contributors are just fine, thank you. Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith combined for 53 points, and Kenyon Martin cleaned up the boards to add 18 more. The Raps, in theory a perimeter-shooting team (but one which can’t shoot from the perimeter), were outclassed from the opening tip.

Mar 23, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Toronto Raptors shooting guard Terrence Ross (31) forces New York Knicks point guard Pablo Prigioni (9) to pass during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Watching the game was disturbing, and a glance at the box score is enough to induce nausea. The Knicks outperformed Toronto in every statistical category one cares to name: total rebounds (44-35), 3-pointers (7-4, and with fewer attempts – John Lucas missed all 7 he tried), steals (14-6), assists (20-13)….is that enough unpleasantness? I’m going to pile on – the Raps poured in 30 points in the second quarter, and the singularly unfazed Knicks added 38 of their own. The Raps lost every quarter.

Terrence Ross was given substantial floor time (only 8 players hit the floor for coach Dwane Casey), and responded with 13 points, including 3 of 5 from long distance. Terrence continues to aggravate with his penchant for turning the ball over. I think he still underestimates the quickness of NBA players, e.g., Raymond Felton picked Terrence’s pocket from behind, which I’ll wager seldom or never happened to him in college. Despite his uneven play this season, the talented rookie is still our most likely future star. Jonas Valanciunas, gamely carrying on with his baptism-by-fire first season, had his second straight rough night against the aggressive, skillful Martin. JV did manage 11 points and 8 boards, but was minus28 for the game.

Mar 23, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kenyon Martin (3) drives up to score a basket during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 110-84. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Lowry scored 14 points, but missed all 4 of his 3-ball tries. I can’t pillory him for having only 4 assists against 3 turnovers, as the Raps missed open shots which should have led to an assist. DeMar DeRozan, a model of consistent play, led the Raps’ feeble attack with 17.

The Raps return home to take on another playoff-bound team, the Atlanta Hawks, on Wednesday evening. Amir Johnson bobbleheads will be given away prior to the game. The way the Raps are playing, that might be the highlight of the night.

Brian Boake is a co-editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

Preview: Toronto Raptors (26-43) vs New York Knicks (41-26) 3 keys to victory

Brian Boake — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 21:06:26 +0000

It’s Game 2 of the Toronto Raptors-New York Knicks home and home series, and Game 4 and final of the season series. The Knicks held off the Raps last night at the Air Canada Centre, and probably don’t feel any reason to change any part of their game plan, particularly now that Rudy Gay won’t be playing. The Raps’ starting power forward tweaked his always-tender back in the second quarter of Friday’s loss, and didn’t travel to New York. Alan Anderson, who tried to beat the Knicks by himself with 35 points, has earned the starting spot in Rud

Mar 22, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) is double-teamed by New York Knicks center Marcus Camby (23) and point guard Jason Kidd (5) causing him to commit a shot-clock violation at the Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

y’s place.

Carmelo Anthony ran roughshod over the Raps’ defense with 37 points, and must be excited to have another go. The Raps will need to keep him quiet somehow, but he can shoot over any of our guys. Our best bet: don’t let him shoot open 3s.

The Raps will also need to:

Find some scoring. To expect Anderson, or anyone, to drain 35 points is absurd. We need to pound the ball inside; get Jonas Valanciunas and Amir Johnson fully engaged in the offense.
Get something from the bench. John Lucas and Terrence Ross, in particular, must start producing.
Control the paint. Kenyon Martin has no business getting a double-double against our front line, yet he did that with ease on Friday night.

Jan 11, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors guard Terrence Ross (31) against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Bobcats 99-78. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of Rudy puts further strain on DeMar DeRozan, as he’s our only reliable perimeter scorer (pace, Anderson fans – he had 1 basket in his previous 2 games before the explosion). It’s hard to see the Raps breaking off their 3-game losing skid on the road against a clearly stronger opponent. Let’s hope reverse psychology works: Knicks 96-Raps 92.

Raptors Rapture » New York Knicks

Recap: New York Knicks defeat Toronto Raptors 110-84 (3/23/13)

Preview: Toronto Raptors (26-43) vs New York Knicks (41-26) 3 keys to victory