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Knicks Address Raptors 'Trap Game'

The New York Knicks face off against the Toronto Raptors tonight.

Jeremy Brener

Dec 9, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) drives against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Dec 9, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) drives against New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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The New York Knicks are back at Madison Square Garden as they host the Toronto Raptors, who currently sit in second-to-last place in the Eastern Conference.

The Raptors have just seven wins on the season and the only team behind them is the league-worst Washington Wizards. On top of that, the Raptors are on the second night of a back-to-back after falling to the Houston Rockets at home yesterday.

Knicks forward Josh Hart explained how the team responds to playing teams that New York should beat on paper.

“I think the biggest thing you learn is there’s good players on every team. And if you come in with the mentality of this team is struggling or this team is not healthy, or you might not recognize a couple names — If you come in with that mentality it’s going to be a tough game and a game you could very well lose. So you can’t look at their record," Hart said h/t Posting and Toasting.

“They got talented pieces that can make plays offensively and defensively. They’ve got a good coach. So you have to come in with that mentality.”

The Knicks have fallen in games where they should have won earlier in the year. Lesser teams like the Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons have found ways to beat the Knicks this year when they don't play their best basketball.

The Knicks cannot take the Raptors lightly, especially considering the fact that Toronto only lost by five points when the two teams met just two weeks ago north of the border.

The Raptors will be seeking revenge tonight, but the Knicks cannot underestimate their opponent.

Tipoff between the Raptors and Knicks is set for 7 p.m. ET. The game can be watched on MSG.

Make sure you bookmark Knicks on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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