Knicks Survive Raptors, RJ Barrett Revenge

The New York Knicks earned a gritty victory north of the border on Monday night.

Dec 9, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (5) takes a rebound off his face while Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) looks on during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

It took everything they had, but the New York Knicks had just enough to claw their way to a victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.

Though their hosts lost marquee talent Scottie Barnes, a strong divisional challenge awaited at Scotiabank Arena. Despite the best efforts of the shorthanded Raptors, the Knicks were nonetheless able to muster a 113-108 victory, one earned through a 12-4 run to close the game's final three-plus minutes. Before Towns' sealer, neither team led by more than three at any prior point in the fourth.

Karl-Anthony Towns provided an emphatic dagger, creating a two-possession game with a thrilling triple that sank with six seconds remaining. It was the last of 24 points for Towns, who announced his return from a brief medical absence in style with an additional 15 rebounds to create yet another double-double.

Dec 9, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) and forward OG Anunoby (8) react after a three point basket by center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) to clinch a win over the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

New York withstood a brilliant night from former homegrown franchise face RJ Barrett, who scored 30 points next to a haul of eight rebounds. Monday's game was staged exactly three weeks before the one-year anniversary of the trade that sent Barrett home to Canada and acquired two-way sensation OG Anunoby.

The headliners of that barter partly decided Tuesday's fate: after Towns previously gave the Knicks a lead that proved permanent with 36 seconds remaining, Anunoby rejected a would-be equalizer from a driving Barrett, his third and final denial of the night to give him 15 over the past six games. He is the Knicks' first non-center to have multiple blocks in six straight games and the first New Yorker overall to do so since Mitchell Robinson has a seven-game tally in 2022.

Immediately after Anunoby then provided the winning assist on Towns' triple. He ended the night with 14 points along with two steals on his defensive ledger. The Knicks had played in Toronto since the trade but Anunoby missed that game in March with an injury.

Aunoby's first game on Ontario hardwood was a bizarre affair, one that featured 19 lead changes before the Knicks (15-9) escaped with the victorious margin: Toronto lost current franchise face Scottie Barnes to an ankle injury in the third quarter after a collision with Towns and Jalen Brunson was forced to the locker room after apparent contact with a spectator in Toronto's courtside seating.

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

The Knicks' captain eventually returned to post a successful four-point play that wound up giving the visitors a late lead that Toronto erased en route to its eventual heartbreak. It was also his last of 20 points earned with 11 assists. Equally clutch in the final frame was Mikal Bridges, who was perfect on a trio of triple attempts in the last dozen.

Barnes had 15 points and five boards before his departure while Barrett put forth his seventh game with at least 30 points this season. With the loss, Toronto (7-18) fell short of emerging from a five-game homestand with a winning record, having opened the stretch with wins over Miami and Indiana. The divisional foes are set to do battle in Manhattan just before Christmas on Dec. 23.

The Knicks engage in NBA Cup knockout play on Wednesday night, hosting their fellow group winners from Atlanta at Madison Square Garden in quarterfinal action (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).

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

• Anunoby Sings Precious' Praises
• Barrett Reflects on Knicks Tenure
• Ionescu Undergoes Procedure on Birthday
• Hart Hurt By Soto News
• Knicks "Erase" Famous Draft Snubbing