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In what was likely the final tuneup for the All-Stars before the playoffs, the Raptors hung on to beat the Knicks, 94-89 in MSG. DeMar DeRozan led the way scoring 27 points on 12-17 from the floor, which moves him ahead of Vince Carter on the franchise all-time scoring list.
Kyle Lowry was also sharp following an 0-5 first quarter, as he finished the night with 15 points and seven assists on the strength of 4-7 from beyond the arc.
DeMarre Carroll also returned to action and looked strong in 17:21 of court time, grabbing five boards and knocking down a three as well.
The Raps were never able to fully pull away, and with the Knicks making a late run in the fourth to tie the game up, the action hit a fever pitch when Cleanthony Early chased a loose ball out of bounds.
Cleanthony Early just wiped out Clyde Frazier, a monitor, and about 5 people sitting courtside.
— Scoops Maroun (@ejmaroun) April 11, 2016
Poor Clyde was holding his knee, Leo and Matty D seem OK, fans nearly got crushed by Cleanthony Early. https://t.co/JZNXCgbIaa
— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) April 11, 2016
In a scene of absolute anarchy, Early either stepped on, or knocked a monitor into the knee of the cow print-clad Frazier, injuring the Knick legend while Mike Breen watched in horror.
That very well could be the final straw for Early's chances to remain a Knick.
If there was any question of whether the Knicks would re-sign Cleanthony Early, his injuring Clyde Frazier's knee may have answered it.
— Alan Sepinwall (@sepinwall) April 11, 2016
While the situation was already in dire straits, Leo Rautins phone was also thought to be a victim of the rampage on the table.
Recreation of what Cleanthony Early did to the broadcast table (and Leo Rautin's phone?) #RTZ #WeTheNorth @Raptors pic.twitter.com/f7OXvTrUPq
— Brendan McKnight (@toysubmarine) April 11, 2016
@Raptors @LeoRautins as he searches for his cell phone.....#RTZ pic.twitter.com/F6pFCX3WzJ
— Callie (@CallieHepp) April 11, 2016
Leo used to call you on your cellphone but then Cleanthony Early knocked it away? pic.twitter.com/zh5eGlnYRc
— Discount Matt Devlin (@JHennyTweets) April 11, 2016
After Matt Devlin eulogized the phone as play continued for the next few minutes, a miracle struck, and the internet was assured that Leo's phone was indeed alive and well.
After the dust settled the Raptors got win number 54, and will look to keep the winning streak rolling on Tuesday against the Sixers at the ACC.