The Knicks have been an early-season surprise, but the Raptors made them look like last year’s version. The Raptors were in command early, and never were caught.
The Toronto Raptors knew that to defeat the Knicks, they would need to control New York’s best player, Kristaps Porzingis. The home team did that beyond anyone’s wildest expectations, holding the alleged unicorn to a season-low 13 points. Despite letting the Knicks off the canvas for a chunk of the second half, the Raptors clamped down late in Q4. They turned defense into offense time and again, and left the outcome in no doubt.
The Knicks backcourt simply can’t compare to the Raptors’. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan carved up the overmatched Jarrett Jack, Courtney Lee and lottery-pick Frank Ntilikina (sure, I’ll give them 3 players!) to the tune of 44 points to 18. Our guys beat theirs in assists, boards, 3-pointers – and plus_minus (plus_33 to minus_48).
Toronto got another strong game from uber-hustler Pascal Siakam. He was charged with bothering Porzingis, which he did by slapping at the ball every time the skinny Latvian giant received it. As if making every possession a headache for KP wasn’t enough, Pascal ran the floor with his usual abandon. He cashed in multiple times after receiving quick passes from our guards, and ended with the same number of points as KP. Did any of you place that prop wager?
[20-second timeout: I’ve been calling for Siakam to be installed as the starting small forward since halfway through last season. A game like this one should crank me up more. However, his outside- and foul-shooting must improve (e.g., a donut for five night lowers his 3-point rate to 24.1%). His numbers continue to disappoint. Until they do, I’m getting off the soapbox.]
Help from every corner
CJ Miles had another surprising game, to the Knicks perhaps. His quick release from beyond the arc caught them flat-footed several times, as he poured in 14 points.
The Raptors were clearly ready for whatever the Knicks threw at them on offense. Toronto blocked 11 shots, and held the Knicks to 33% shooting. New York got to the free-throw line a paltry 17 times, indicating the Raps had a sound knowledge of what the Knicks wanted to do, and how to foil it.
Dwane Casey showed faith in his super-deep lineup once again, and why not? None of the kids has played himself out of consideration, and our older stars are getting lots of rest. Jakob Poeltl got involved in the block party and tossed in some buckets during an excellent Q4 for our Austrian center. Lorenzo Brown had 3 assists and 3 rebounds in 18 minutes, with no turnovers. We’ll take it.
The Raptors get another shot at the Washington Wizards on Sunday afternoon at home.
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