The New York Knicks spoiled the Toronto Raptors home game winning streak albeit in controversial fashion. The Knicks were looking to return to .500 as they entered the Air Canada Centre.
Guided by Carmelo Anthony's 25 point performance the Knicks were competing until the final buzzer. The Knicks also solidly outshot the Raptors from distance as they averaged around 47.8 percent, while the Raptors could only hit 23.5 of their 3 point chances.
The Knicks gave up 60 points in the paint however the 33 points from behind the 3 point line help nullify some DeMar DeRozan's offensive explosion. The Knicks let up in the third quarter as they watched a 13 point lead evaporate leaving only Cleanthony Early's half court 3 pointer to tie this game as we entered the 4th quarter.
The Knicks 111 points was also a statistical nightmare for the Raptors who have not allowed that many points all season long. The most controversial highlight came when Knicks star Carmelo Anthony appeared to step out of bounds in front of the Raptors bench and the referees somehow missed it. This led to Melo passing out of a double team to Lance Thomas who was fouled by Kyle Lowry.
With Thomas hitting both shots at the line with 17.2 seconds left on the clock the Knicks would put away the Raptors. The Raptors may have ended the cold spell that had developed on their four game road trip but they still could not close out a victory. The Knicks now 4-4 will face the Hornets on Wednesday night while the Raptors will face the 76ers.
