(*T*M*C) “O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love, in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts, we see thee rise, the True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land, glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!!!” You don’t often get an opportunity to go against an entire nation but the Toronto Raptors are holding up that blood-stained banner. In their 3rd year after the Chris Bosh Era, they are the WELCOME mat of the Atlantic Division. With that said, the Toronto Raptors have been a thorn in the side of the New York Knicks taking the first 2 contests with this home-and-home, back-to-back remaining this season. Head Coach Mike Woodson searched for answers. “I wish I knew why they play so well against us. We’ve played well in stretches. We had that awful 3rd Quarter in that one game. When it comes to guarding Rudy Gay, you have to give him different looks.” Rudy Gay averages 20 points/game against New York. Jason Kidd had some insight on overcoming injuries. “We trust in one another. We believe in one another.” Marcus Camby gave us more on the team’s pulse. “Win our home games and figure it out on the road. If we do that, we’ll put ourselves in a good position for the Playoffs.”
The New York Knicks did just that by outlasting the Toronto Raptors 99-94 and clinching a playoff spot at Air Canada Centre. New York’s Carmelo Anthony was a beast when it counted the most going for 37 points(14-31 FGs, 2-8 3-PTs, 7-11 FTs), 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Kenyon Martin was spectacular with 19 points(9-10 FGs, 1-2 FTs), 11 rebounds and 2 steals. JR Smith had a big impact off the bench adding 14 points(5-10 FGs, 1-3 3-PTs, 3-7 FTs), 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Toronto’s Alan Anderson came off the bench with a monster night. 35 points(11-18 FGs, 6-11 3-PTs, 7-8 FTs), 6 rebounds and 3 assists. DeMar DeRozen produced the most from the starters with 18 points(7-14 FGs, 1-3 3-PTs, 3-3 FTs), 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Jonas Valanciunas was solid with 10 points(5-6 FGs, 0-1 FTs) and 7 rebounds.
The 1st Quarter began with a good wrestling match to the 7:00 mark. New York shot 5-10 FGs, 0-2 3-PTs and 2-2 FTs to take a 12-11 lead. Toronto shot 5-8 FGs, 1-3 3-PTs in that same span. Over the next 5 minutes, the Knicks had a 13-4 burst and a 25-15 advantage. New York’s defense was as solid as a rock in that stretch. Anthony turned the offense into a melodrama. Yes, he led all scores in the quarter with 9 points but he was 3-10 from the field! Unacceptable when Kenyon Martin contributed 4 points(2-2 FGs) and 4 rebounds. Feed the post! More Bad News, Toronto went on a 7-0 run over the last 2 minutes and were only down 25-22. The Raptors had good balance. Landry Fields, 5 points(2-3 FGs, 1-1 3-PTs) and 3 rebounds. Rudy Gay, 4 points(2-5 FGs, 0-1 3-PT) and 2 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan, 4 points(2-5 FGs, 0-1 3-PT), 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Alan Anderson, 5 points(2-4 FGs, 1-2 3-PTs).
The Knicks’ defense dominated the 2nd quarter. DeMar DeRozan did score 5 points but the Raptors were held to 5-20 from the field(2-8 3-PTs) for 25% shooting. New York recorded 10-18 FGs(4-7 3-PTs) which translated into 55.6% and a 50-37 Halftime lead. More Good News, Carmelo Anthony only took 5 shots to get 5 points. Jason Kidd added 6 points(2-3 FGs, 2-2 3-PTs). Steve Novak poured in 5 points(2-2 FGs, 1-1 3-PTs). At the 7:04 mark, Rudy Gay left the game with back spasms and didn’t return.
Easy come, Easy go. The Raptors registered 37 points in the entire 1st Half. Toronto blitzed New York for 34 points in the 3rd Quarter. Alan Anderson lit up the Knicks’ defense scoring 20 points(6-6 FGs, 3-3 3-PTs, & 5-6 FTs). Overall, the Raptors shot a tremendous 75% with 12-16 FGs, 5-8 3-PTs and 5-7 FTs while cutting the deficit to 77-71. The Knicks were on fire as well shooting 64.7% from the field. 11-17 FGs, 2-3 3-PTs and 1-2 FTS. Carmelo Anthony, 11 points(5-5 FGs, 1-1 3-PTs. Kenyon Martin, 9 points(4-4 FGs, 1-2 FTs).
The duel continued into the 4th Quarter. With 3:59 remaining, The Knicks were up 94-84. New York’s perimeter defense was pivotal in restricting the Raptors to 2-9(22.2%) from downtown and 42.1% overall. The Knicks remained hot from the field shooting 60%. 9-15 FGs, 1-3 3-PTs. Toronto’s last stand was fueled by New York’s 5-11 FTs(45.5%) down the stretch. The Raptors end the game on a 10-5 run but could get no closer. Carmelo Anthony dropped another 11 points to keep Alan Anderson, 8 points and DeMar DeRozan, 7 points at bay. The New York Knicks are going back to the Playoffs for the 3rd consecutive year!!!
Kenyon Martin shared his thoughts on moving from the outhouse to the penthouse. “I play this way every night. I give 110%. Tonight, I got more touches. It’s a blessing to be playing in the NBA. It’s unfortunate that it’s due to injury but I’ll take it.” Raymond Felton talked on where do we go from here. “We made a pact not to lose anymore at home. It’s just a challenge that Woody(Head Coach Mike Woodson) put in front of us.” Head Coach Mike Woodson addressed the heavy minutes for his core guys. “We got to play every game as if it’s our last. Brooklyn isn’t going anywhere. Boston isn’t going anywhere. They are both playing for something.”
The next task is to win the Atlantic Division. Beating the Toronto Raptors tonight at Madison Square Garden would provide a huge lift. Winning last night at Air Canada Centre, gave New York an 1.5 game lead over Brooklyn(2nd Place) who were idle. Boston(3rd Place) fell to 3.5 games back after losing in Dallas.(*T*M*C)
Written By Shelby Spencer
The Morning Crap 