Knicks Dominate Raptors with Another 40-Point Quarter

The New York Knicks continued their offensive surge by posting a 41-point first quarter against the Toronto Raptors on November 26, 2023, at Madison Square Garden. This performance marked the Knicks' ninth quarter this season where they scored 40 or more points, leading the league in such outbursts.

Their closest competitors, the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Miami Heat, are all tied with six 40-point quarters. Despite an explosive start, the Knicks faced familiar challenges, scoring only 18 points in the second quarter, allowing the Raptors to threaten their lead.

The Raptors managed to cut the deficit to as little as three points in the third quarter, but the Knicks responded decisively, finishing the game with a 116-94 victory, improving their record to 13-6 and maintaining a strong 10-1 home record.

Key performances included Karl-Anthony Towns, who led the Knicks with 22 points, and Josh Hart, who contributed 20 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. Jalen Brunson added 18 points, while Mitchell Robinson dominated the boards with 15 rebounds in just 17 minutes.

The Knicks will face the Raptors again on December 9 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, where a win will secure a trip to Las Vegas. This recurring issue of not maintaining leads, as noted by player Josh Hart, suggests that while the Knicks can build significant advantages, they must learn to protect them to maximize their potential.

The team has been fortunate, sitting at 7-1 in games where they have posted a 40-point quarter, but this trend raises questions about their consistency as the season progresses.