NBA: Knicks own nine straight over Raps entering NBA Cup quarterfinal

The New York Knicks can secure a spot in the East semifinals of the NBA Cup on Tuesday night if they continue their dominance over the Toronto Raptors.

Entering the quarterfinal matchup in Canada, the Knicks have won nine consecutive games against the Raptors, including their only meeting this season—a 116-94 home victory on Nov. 30.

Despite New York’s recent success, the NBA Cup has favored Toronto in the group stage. The Raptors finished first in East Group A with a perfect 4-0 record, earning home-court advantage, while the Knicks topped East Group C with a 3-1 record.

The two teams are currently on different trajectories. The Knicks have won seven of their last eight games, including a 106-100 home victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Toronto, on the other hand, has dropped three straight and five of six, falling 121-113 to the Boston Celtics. The Raptors overcame a 23-point deficit to briefly lead in the fourth quarter but ended their five-game homestand with a 1-3 record.

Toronto has not defeated New York since Jan. 22, 2023.

Against Boston, the Raptors trailed 77-59 at halftime and were down by 23 points in the third quarter before mounting a comeback. The Celtics’ 77 first-half points marked the most scored against Toronto in a half since the Memphis Grizzlies put up 78 on Dec. 26, 2024.

“They were not the same guys, the energy was different in the second half,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said. “Urgency was different. A couple of guys stepped up, and when we play with that scrappiness, we’re a completely different team. We can compete with any team in this league if we maintain that intensity for 48 minutes. It can’t be just one half.”

Boston made 20 3-pointers, the most by any opponent against Toronto this season. Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 30 points, bouncing back from a 7-point outing on Friday. Scottie Barnes added 18 points and 11 rebounds, while former Knick Immanuel Quickley contributed 11 points after scoring 31 in Friday’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

Toronto has also been without former Knick RJ Barrett, who is expected to miss at least another week with a sprained right knee.

The Knicks face their own injury concerns. Karl-Anthony Towns missed Sunday’s game due to left calf tightness and is listed as day-to-day. Miles McBride left the third quarter with a left ankle injury, requiring a walking boot and a scheduled MRI.

OG Anunoby returned for a second game after missing nine with a strained hamstring, producing 21 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Anunoby, acquired in the trade that sent Barrett and Quickley to Toronto on Dec. 30, 2023, has become a key contributor for New York.

“The versatility that OG gives us is unbelievable,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “He can guard one through five and impact the game on both ends. His size, defensive ability, shooting, and rim attacks are huge for us.”

Reserve Ariel Hukporti also impressed, playing a season-high 22:41 and finishing with six points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and one steal. -Field Level Media/Reuters Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images