Knicks confirm ticket to Vegas

Traveling to Toronto, the Knicks defeated the Raptors and earned a ticket to the semifinals NBA Cupthanks to overwhelming success, 117-101. Despite a sloppy start to the match, New York came out on top in the second quarter to widen the irreparable gap. The Raptors, without Immanuel Quickley (illness) and RJ Barrett (knee), never looked like they could turn things around.

Both teams started nervously, increasing turnovers, like Karl-Anthony Towns, who received two offensive fouls. Jalen Brunson is already in his bubble: 20 points in the first quarter, his season high. But six turnovers by the Knicks allowed the Raptors to end the period in the lead (39–35) with Brandon Ingram already with 17 points.

Suffocating defense

Entered at the start of the second half, Tyler Kolek shines in his role: rhythm, interception, desire… On his side, Towns recovers and OG Anunoby is everywhere on defense: 2 blocks and 2 interceptions. The Raptors miss 13 of their first 15 shots, and in a sign of the Raptors’ impotence, they begin systematically fouling Mitchell Robinson to send him to the line. It’s pretty effective as the pivot misses three of four free throws, but as soon as Mike Brown takes him out to bring Towns back, New York kills almost all suspense and leads 69–52 at halftime on a nice 61% shooting percentage.

Back from the locker room, it’s time for the Josh Hart show. The swiss army knife from New York sinks two threes and goes for a goal near the circle. Under his leadership, the gap increases to +24! The Knicks ease off the pressure a bit and lose a few possessions, and Ingram gets back on track with support from Jamal Sheed. The Raptors close the gap and Barnes gets his team back under 15 points. To answer Sheed, Jordan Clarkson comes out of his box and the Knicks still lead 94–79 before the start of the final quarter.

To turn the tide of the game, the Raptors start the all-court pressure with big defense on Jalen Brunson. Mikal Bridges is the one who benefits. And when he misses his shot, Clarkson is on the offensive rebound to give him a second chance, and this time, Bridges puts it in… The gap stabilizes around 18 points with Anunoby imposing himself from long range. The Knicks master their theme, and “garbage time” begins with two minutes left, for the eventual victory, 117-101, for the Knicks.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

First for the Knicks. After two lost quarterfinals, the third time is right for the Knicks who will see Las Vegas for the first time in their history. New York is the only team to advance to the quarterfinals in every edition of the NBA Cup.

The Raptors are in trouble. The Quickley-Barrett duo in civilian clothes, Darko Rajaković’s team are marking the occasion as they have lost four in a row, all of which were received at home. Last night they went down in the 2nd quarter with only 13 points scored.

Hart at his best. Josh Hart’s rise was confirmed with a remarkable start to the second half in his inimitable style. He’s everywhere, always on the move, compiling 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks on 8-of-11 shooting, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.