The New York Knicks have made a significant advancement in the NBA Cup, defeating the Toronto Raptors 117-101 in the quarterfinals. This victory propels them into the semifinals set to take place in Las Vegas against the Orlando Magic.
Brunson’s Stellar Performance
Jalen Brunson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 35 points while shooting 13-of-19 from the field. His efficiency was evident, as he made 6-of-9 from three-point range. Brunson took control of the game, especially in the second quarter, turning the tide in favor of the Knicks.
Strong Contributions from Teammates
Josh Hart also played a crucial role, contributing 21 points with a remarkable 8-of-11 shooting. Additionally, Karl-Anthony Towns, who returned after a calf injury, added 14 points and pulled down 16 rebounds, giving the Knicks a strong front line.
Game Overview
- Knicks record: 17 wins, 7 losses
- Raptors record: 15 wins, 11 losses
- Knicks winning streak: 4 games
- Brunson’s first-quarter points: 20
- Knicks halftime lead: 17 points
The game began with the Knicks struggling, committing seven turnovers in the first quarter that allowed the Raptors to score 12 points off those mistakes. Despite Brunson’s early surge, the Raptors led 39-35 after the first quarter. However, the Knicks picked up their defensive intensity and built a substantial lead during the second quarter.
Raptors’ Struggles
Toronto faced difficulties, missing key players like RJ Barrett, suffering from a knee injury, and Immanuel Quickley, who was a late scratch due to illness. The Raptors have experienced a tough stretch, losing five of their last six games.
Next Steps for the Knicks
With this victory, the Knicks are preparing for their upcoming challenge in Las Vegas. They will compete for a significant cash prize, as semifinalists receive over $100,000 per player, compared to the quarterfinalists’ earnings of over $50,000. A championship win could elevate their reward to over $500,000 each.
The Knicks are determined to capitalize on this momentum and make a strong push in the NBA Cup semifinals against the Orlando Magic. Their journey continues as they aim for success in Sin City.
