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On the second half of a back to back, the Toronto Raptors return home to sweep the New York Knicks 115-100. Kyle Lowry led the charge tonight with 32 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds, continuing to show the New York fanbase what he could possibly provide for their club. Lowry played with an edge tonight, once feeding Terrence Ross on the break for a slam and sending the Toronto faithful home with free pizza.
RAPTORS NOTES
- The Raptors took care of the ball tonight, limiting themselves to 8 turnovers. It left the Knicks with little to take advantage of, as the Raps continued to improve their ball security post Rudy Gay.
- Terrence Ross is proving to be a 3-and-D player for Dwane Casey's squad. He scored 21 points tonight with 7 triples; mostly off open looks from the ragged Knicks defense.
- Jonas Valanciunas had 10 rebounds tonight against the weak Knicks interior. Tyson Chandler hasn't been the same player since he's returned. Last year he was a release valve for the Knicks but they're struggling to provide offense for him. He had only two rebounds tonight while Jonas is showing the squad he deserves more minutes and can play with the big boys.
KNICKS NOTES
- Amare Stoudemire made an impact on the game tonight, providing them with 23 points and 9 rebounds off the bench in 29 minutes. He's struggled with injuries for the past couple seasons but tonight showed glimpses of his all-star past.
- JR Smith continues to jack up shots, going 5-16 from the field. He's been struggling this season with his shooting percentage, enraging Knicks fans; but aside from Tim Hardaway Jr, who hasn't been enraging Knicks' fans this season?
- Tim Hardaway Jr. is showing to be a good piece for the Knicks as a late draft pick. He's one of the few solid players in the rotation that's providing stable play for Mike Woodson. He scored 12 points off the bench tonight.
- Chris Smith made an appearance tonight. 36 seconds of hatred for New York's flagship squad.
- Andrea Bargnani. Man the Raptors miss him. He had 12 points and 3 rebounds and didn't play down the stretch when the Knicks made their last run. Enough said.
The Raptors are on a winning streak! They head to Chicago for a New Year's Eve matchup versus the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday. I can feel the fear and angst from the tank-happy Raptors crowd already.