Toronto Raptors able to grind out win against Knicks 118-112
The Raptors went into Madison Square Garden Friday night looking to extend their five game win steak to six.
In their third game this week, Toronto struggled out of gate.
Getting off to a slow start the Raptors were trailing the Knicks 28-20 after the first.
Toronto was able to come alive in the second quarter out scoring the Knicks 36-25.
The Second half was a back and forth affair with the Raptors outscoring the Knicks by 3 points.
The Raptors veteran leadership was on full display as they were able to weather the storm and grind out a victory in a tough environment on the road.
Lead by their two all-stars Pascal Siakam, and Kyle Lowry the Raptors showed why they are one of the favourites in the east this season.
Lowry finished the night with 26 points and 6 rebounds in 35 minutes.
Siakam finished with 23 points and 7 rebounds in 32 minutes.
Pascal also hit the dagger three to seal the win for the Raptors. Proving why he was named a starter in what will be his first all-star appearance of his career.
The Knicks front-court of Julius Randal and Marcus Morris proved to be a tough matchup for Toronto in the game.
Randal finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Morris finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Raptors were out rebounded by the Knicks 46-31 and gave up 14 offensive rebounds.
Rebounding has been a major factor for Toronto this season.
Raptors president Masai Ujri be looking to address the rebounding woes with the trade deadline fast approaching.
In a game where Nick Nurse would have certainly liked to rest his starters Toronto was in for a dog fight all night.
Toronto will get very little rest as they will now head to San Antonio for a second meeting with the Spurs.
The Raptors lost their last game to the Spurs 105-104 on January 12th.
Toronto will take on the Spurs Sunday January 26th.
Tip off is 4:00pm EST.
