The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors played a very entertaining preseason game tonight. Both teams had moments in this game and it turned out a very close contest. The Raptors would win this game despite trailing by ten points in the fourth quarter.
The Raptors benefited from a strong performance from DeMar DeRozan who scored 20 points. DeRozan used his athletic ability to find easy scores inside and also showed some nice mid-range jumpers. DeRozan is a nice player for the Raptors and tonight he showed that. This season DeRozan can become a star if he can put together all of his talent.
Rudy Gay also played well for the Raptors as he scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds. Gay struggled with his shot tonight, but his ability to get to the line made up for his poor shooting.
Carmelo Anthony played really well in his second game. Anthony scored 24 points and had a much better shot tonight. In the first game Anthony struggled somewhat with his shot, but tonight was able to make shots consistently. The Knicks need Anthony on his game every night, tonight he did a great job in getting them points consistently.
This game also marked the return of Andrea Bargnani in Toronto. Bargnani scored 10 points in 21 minutes of action. Tonight he seemed hesitant and really didn’t convert on his open shots. His points will be huge for the Knicks and his ability to stretch the floor will also be important. With his ability to stretch the floor will make it easier for Carmelo Anthony to get easier shots. This is only the second game, but these two have to play well in order for the Knicks to find success this season.
The youth movement was in full effect in the third quarter. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Iman Shumpert played really well together. They defended and scored while together and if they can keep that up the Knicks will be in business. Hardaway scored 13 points while Shumpert scored 10 points. Both played well in spurts and should see time together during the regular season.
Defensively the Knicks looked much better. Twelve steals and six blocks made for a much better defensive effort for the Knicks. That end is where they’ll win games, tonight they defended well and showed that they can do it. This was only the second game, but Mike Woodson has a couple of defensive lineups he could run out there against solid offensive teams.
The Knicks fall to 1-1 in the preseason, while the Raptors improve to 2-1. The Knicks will play the Boston Celtics tomorrow night in their first back to back game of the season.
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