The hopes of winning the NBA Cup perished last night for Toronto Raptors’ fans as the New York Knicks eliminated them in the quarter-finals.
New York will now advance to the semi-finals of the NBA Cup, where they will face the Orlando Magic in Las Vegas.
This is the first time in franchise history that the Knicks have advanced past the first round of the NBA Cup after being eliminated early in the past two years.
This was the first time in franchise history that Toronto had made it past the group stage of the NBA Cup.
RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley weren’t playing last night. Barrett was out due to a right knee sprain injury, and Quickley’s out because of an illness.
Last time both teams met, New York beat Toronto 116-94 on Nov. 30 in a regular-season game. The Knicks have won the last nine games against the Raptors.
Toronto ended the first quarter leading 39-35. The Raptors shot the ball at a 57.7 per cent field goal percentage.
But once the second quarter started, their shots stopped going in. The first half ends with a 17-point Knicks lead.
New York outscored Toronto 34-13. The Raptors shot the ball 23.8 per cent in field goals.
Toronto shot the ball better in the third quarter. The field goal percentage is 47.8 per cent.
Unfortunately, the Raptors could not get back in the game as they were down by 14 points at the end of the quarter. The score was 94-79.
In the end, New York was too much for Toronto as the Knicks won the game 117-101.
This loss extends the Raptors’ losing streak to four games. Toronto is now fifth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 15-11.
Brandon Ingram was the best player for the Raptors as he finished the game with 31 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson was the star of the show. His performance of 35 points, three rebounds, and four assists was more than enough to get New York to the second round.
Toronto’s next game is on Dec. 15 against the Miami Heat. This is the first time both teams will play against each other this season.