Knicks vs Raptors schedule: Date, time, live stream, and more on NBA 2025-26 season
The Toronto Raptors were ousted from the Emirates NBA Cup after a 117-101 loss to the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 35 points, including 20 in the first quarter, propelling New York into the semifinals in Las Vegas.
Knicks Advance Behind Brunson and Towns
New York’s victory improves its record to 17-7 and marks the team’s fourth consecutive win. Karl-Anthony Towns, who played despite being a game-time decision, recorded a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds.
The Knicks will now face the Orlando Magic on Saturday in Las Vegas, seeking to continue their strong run in the in-season tournament.
Raptors Struggle With Injuries and Depth
Toronto, playing undermanned, fell to 15-11 and suffered its fourth straight defeat. Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 31 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, while Scottie Barnes contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
The Raptors were missing key contributors: starting point guard Immanuel Quickley was out with an undisclosed illness, and swingman RJ Barrett remained sidelined following a platelet-rich plasma injection for a sprained knee.
Jamal Shead, stepping in for Quickley, scored a season-high 18 points with seven assists. Ochai Agbaji replaced Barrett but managed just three points. The Raptors’ depleted roster struggled to maintain offensive balance beyond the first quarter.
Game Flow: Knicks’ Defense Dominates
New York’s smothering defense dominated the second quarter onward, exploiting Toronto’s limited depth. Only Ja’Kobe Walter (13 points) and Collin Murray-Boyles (four points) scored off the Raptors’ bench in the first three quarters.
Toronto started strong, with Ingram scoring 17 points in the opening quarter to give the Raptors a brief lead, 39-37. However, the absence of Quickley and Barrett was evident in the second quarter, as Toronto managed just 13 points and suffered a significant momentum shift.
Key Moment: Anunoby Blocks Lawson
The turning point came 4:30 into the second quarter when former Raptors forward OG Anunoby blocked AJ Lawson’s field goal. This sparked a 12-2 Knicks run, swinging the game decisively in New York’s favor.
Toronto’s shooting woes worsened as the Raptors were 5-for-21 (23.8%) from the field in the second quarter. All six reserves who played failed to score, highlighting the team’s depth issues.
Takeaways for Both Teams
Knicks: The team’s depth and defensive intensity were decisive. They consistently harassed Toronto, particularly on the perimeter and during transition, neutralizing the Raptors’ reserves.
Raptors: Coach Darko Rajakovic emphasized the need for a fast start, which Ingram delivered. But without Quickley and Barrett, the offense stalled, especially in the second quarter. Toronto’s reliance on a few scorers exposed its vulnerability in a knockout matchup.
Raptors’ NBA Cup Debut Ends
This was the Raptors’ first appearance in the NBA Cup knockout stage, and injuries prevented them from mounting a sustained challenge. While Ingram, Barnes, and Shead showed flashes of brilliance, the lack of depth and key absences proved decisive.
New York, meanwhile, advances with confidence, led by Brunson’s scoring and Towns’ inside presence. The Knicks will aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare for the semifinals against Orlando.
