Knicks Takeaways from 128-112 loss to Raptors in Toronto

Hardaway Jr. finished with 27 points, while Kanter had a double-double

11/10/2018, 10:27 PM
Nov 10, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Noah Vonleh (right) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green (left) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports / John E. Sokolowski
Nov 10, 2018; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Noah Vonleh (right) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green (left) during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports / John E. Sokolowski

The Eastern Conference-best Raptors were too much for the Knicks, as New York fell 128-112 in Toronto on Saturday. >> Box Score

Things to know about Saturday's game

1) There was sloppy basketball to kick off this one, with both teams not hitting their shots and turning the ball over. But when things settled down, the Knicks were keeping up with the Raptors as the first quarter ending in a 25-25 tie. But the home team turned it up in the second quarter with 39 points to New York's 28, and ran away from there. Seven Raptors finished with double-digit points.

2) To have any sort of chance in this game, Tim Hardaway Jr. needed to have a great performance, and he did just that. He poured in 27 points on 11-for-17 shooting, including two threes. He also had four boards and two assists. 

3) The Knicks had trouble with Pascal Siakam, who led the Raptors with 23 points on a very efficient 6-for-7 from the field and 8-for-9 from the charity stripe. Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry were held in check with 12 and 10 points respectively, but once the Raptors pulled away, the starters didn't see too much time in the second half. 

4) Enes Kanter had a good game off the bench with 15 points and 14 rebounds for another double-double on the season. Also playing good bench minutes yet again was Emmanuel Mudiay, who went 6-for-12 for 12 points with three rebounds, two assists, and one block. 

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You can see why the Raptors are now 12-1 on the season. They clearly are in a different class from the Knicks. They have so many guys that can beat you, and they play strong, physical basketball that the Knicks just couldn't keep up with. It wasn't the Raptors two stars, Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry, that were destroying the Knicks, it was everyone else. They had seven guys score in double figures.

The Knicks' defense was atrocious in the second and third quarter, when they gave up 75 points. They played undisciplined basketball, struggling to keep up with Toronto, and getting into foul trouble. The two positives for the Knicks? Tim Hardaway Jr. had another strong game and he shot the ball well, making 11 of 17 shots. Kevin Knox also played well and got to play some more minutes, scoring 12 points and making two threes. Knox looks like he is getting more comfortable now after spraining his ankle. 

The Knicks just have not been able to beat a good team yet this season. These elite teams are dominating the game late, putting the young Knicks away. This team will have to do a better job playing all four quarters, and not just the first 36 minutes. At 4-9, the Knicks will have a chance to rebound quickly from this loss as they return home against the 5-7 Magic tomorrow. 

Highlights from tonight's game

What's next: The Knicks make their way back to The Garden on Sunday night to face Aaron Gordon and the Magic at 7:30 p.m.

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