How It HappenedA late comeback fell short for the Knicks, who dropped to 1-2 this preseason with tonight's 81-76 loss to Toronto. Offense was hard to come by for both teams, as starters rested and 24 players logged double-digit minutes, but Derek Fisher's squad once again showed positive signs in bursts as the preseason continues.
Poor shooting plagued both teams in the first quarter; they combined to shoot 10-for-39 from the floor en route to a 12-12 stalemate after one. Carmelo Anthony picked up two early fouls and J.R. Smith picked up his third soon after, but their teammates picked up the slack. Jose Calderon (eight points, four assists, four rebounds) orchestrated the offense and Iman Shumpert looked sharp in his 18 minutes, scoring six points to go with six assists and three rebounds.
Melo returned and found his groove, connecting on 4-of-6 shots for nine points in 15 minutes. Smith would help key a late rally.
New York came out of halftime clicking and pushed the lead to 11 early in the second half before the Raptors responded with their own run. Leading by as many 15 in the 4th quarter, Toronto was able to hold off a late Knicks run led by Tim Hardaway Jr. (nine points, 5-of-7 from the free throw line).
Knicks of the NightShumpert edges out Samuel Dalembert (seven points and seven rebounds) for this honor because of his outstanding impact on the game. His minutes came mostly in the first half when the Knicks were pushing the tempo and at their best in terms of defensive cohesion. Shump's energy allowed his team to work through the issues that inevitably come with learning a new system in live game action.
News & NotesAndrea Bargnani did not dress for the second straight game with a hamstring injury. Jonas Valanciunas and Kyle Lowry did not play for Toronto. The Knicks had 20 assists on 31 made field goals. Said Fisher: "We're doing the right things."
Next UpThe Knicks travel to Syracuse to face the Philadelphia 76ers tomorrow night at the Carrier Dome. It'll be a homecoming for Anthony, last year's NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams and Philadelphia rookie Jerami Grant, all former Orange. Coverage starts at 7 p.m. on MSG 2.