Knicks routed 148-98 by Raptors in preseason
The New York Knicks fell 148-98 to the Toronto Raptors in a preseason game where they rested all key starters and veterans, dropping their exhibition record to 0-4.
The New York Knicks lost to the Toronto Raptors 148-98 in a preseason game on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena. Coach Mike Brown did not play starters or veterans Landry Shamet, Andre Drummond, and Jordan Clarkson, citing the second leg of a back-to-back, and the Knicks' preseason record is now 0-4.
Knicks lineup and performance
New York started a reshuffled lineup of Jose Alvarado, Miles McBride, Mohamed Diawara, Bruce Brown, and James Wiseman. They struggled immediately. The Raptors outscored them 42-22 in the first quarter, building a 20-point lead. The deficit grew to 28 early in the second, 35 past the midway point, and reached 38 points by halftime.
James Wiseman started and produced a team-high 18 points and 10 rebounds in 24 minutes. Other contributions were limited. The backcourt pairing of McBride and Alvarado was outscored 52-36 during their shared time on the floor.
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Other Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Wiseman | 24 | 18 | 10 | - | - |
| Drew Eubanks | 15 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 1 block |
| Tony Bradley | 9 | 4 | 3 | - | - |
| Miles McBride | - | 8 | - | 3 | 0-4 3PT |
| Jose Alvarado | - | 4 | - | 4 | 2-6 FG |
During the three stretches the McBride-Alvarado duo played together, the Knicks were outscored 23-12 in the first quarter, 24-14 in the second, and 9-6 to start the third. The team logged more turnovers than assists and shot poorly from three-point range in those minutes.
Raptors contributions
Toronto used its normal starting lineup, which includes Kawhi Leonard, and operated with high efficiency. The Raptors shot 57.3 percent from the field as a team. Their star players led a balanced offensive effort.
Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points in just 16 minutes, shooting 4-of-8 from three-point range. Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles each added 19 points. RJ Barrett scored 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting in just over 20 minutes, and Immanuel Quickley contributed eight points and six assists in a similar timeframe.
Player availability and coach reaction
Four of the Knicks' five regular starters stayed home for the game. Mikal Bridges traveled with the team and worked out pregame but watched from the bench. Other Knicks who saw action included Drew Eubanks, Tyler Nickel, Pacôme Dadiet, Ochai Agbaji, Kevin McCullar Jr., Tyler Kolek, and Jaden Akins.
Coach Mike Brown expressed disappointment in the team's effort and execution in the first half, not the score. Brown also criticized the offense for being sped up, not touching the paint, and making poor decisions.
Guard Miles McBride acknowledged the difficult loss but emphasized the need to move on. He noted the team was missing eight players and faced a playoff-caliber opponent bolstered by a Hall of Fame talent, referring to Kawhi Leonard.
Looking ahead
The Knicks will play their final preseason game against the Raptors at Madison Square Garden on Friday. Head coach Mike Brown has labeled this preseason finale a dress rehearsal, indicating he intends to play starters close to their normal regular-season minutes.
The regular season opens for the Knicks at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20. The franchise will raise its first championship banner in 53 years during that Opening Night ceremony.
