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| Image Source :: Cole Burston / Getty Images |
On December 9, 2025, the New York Knicks took down the Toronto Raptors 117–101 in the quarterfinals of the 2025 NBA Cup. That win sends the Knicks into the Cup semifinals for the first time in the tournament’s three-year history. ESPN.com+2CBS Sports+2
The game was more than just a knock-out; it felt like a statement. The Knicks got scorching hot, especially in the second quarter, and their defense locked in to stifle a Raptors team that had been rolling through group play. ESPN.com+2The Washington Post+2
Standout Performances & Key Numbers
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Jalen Brunson was the story of the night. He poured in 35 points, going 13-of-19 from the field, and nailed 6 of 9 from three. ESPN.com+2CBS Sports+2
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Josh Hart backed him up with 21 points, shooting efficiently and helping control the glass. ESPN+1
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Up front, Karl-Anthony Towns grabbed 16 boards and added 14 points — a steady presence inside after a brief calf-tightness scare. ESPN.com+1
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The Knicks got solid contributions across the board: Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby added meaningful minutes and points. CBS Sports+1
What really turned the tide was their second-quarter defense. The Raptors, who scored 39 in the first, were limited to just 13 in the second — a swing that carried momentum firmly into the second half. By halftime, New York held a 69–52 lead. ESPN.com+2ESPN.com+2
Raptors’ Challenges: Injuries + Inconsistent Offense
Toronto came into the game short-handed. Two of their regulars — RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley — were unavailable due to injury and illness, respectively. NBA+2The Washington Post+2 That lack of depth showed.
They had bursts — Brandon Ingram scored 31 and Jamal Shead dropped a career-high 18 — but it wasn’t enough. Their second quarter was brutal: they missed 13 of their first 15 shots, and ended up 5-for-21 on the quarter. That slump doomed their chances, and they couldn’t climb back from it. ESPN.com+2The Washington Post+2
That slump, combined with their injury woes, made them vulnerable — and the Knicks capitalized.
What This Win Means for the Knicks
For New York, this feels like more than just another victory in the “knicks vs raptors” rivalry. It’s a turning point. After two previous early exits in NBA Cup play, advancing to the semifinals sends a message: this roster can hang. ESPN.com+2CBS Sports+2
Coach Mike Brown said they’re starting to find their identity. Early in the season, injuries and inconsistency — especially on the road — made things messy. But this win shows that when they’re healthy and locked in, their blend of offensive firepower and defensive grit makes them legit contenders. ESPN.com+1
It’s their eighth win in nine games. For a team that’s still figuring things out, that kind of momentum matters. ESPN.com+1
Looking Ahead: Semifinal Matchup & What to Watch
Next up for the Knicks: a semifinal showdown with Orlando Magic in Las Vegas. Orlando advanced after beating the Miami Heat earlier on the same day. Reuters+1
If New York wants to keep this run alive, they’ll need to keep doing what they did against Toronto: aggressive defense, solid shooting, and intelligent ball movement.
Players like Brunson, Hart, and Towns will likely carry the load again — but if their role players stay involved and contribute (as Bridges and Anunoby did), the Knicks have a shot.
Meanwhile, for Toronto, this game might be a wake-up call. Injuries happen. But if they can stay healthy and get consistent production from their core, they could bounce back. This loss stings — but it isn’t the end of the rivalry.
Why This “Knicks vs Raptors” Game Matters
This wasn’t just another regular-season tilt. This was a playoff-style knockout in a tournament meant to shake up the NBA calendar, test teams in new ways, and maybe crown a surprise champion. For the Knicks, advancing in the NBA Cup isn’t just about a trophy — it’s about belief, identity, and momentum.
For Toronto, it’s a reality check. They were once among the eastern contenders. Now, with injuries and uneven performances, they’re staring at a reset.
But for fans of both teams — and the NBA as a whole — games like this are why we love the sport. They force teams to rise or fade. They create tension, hope, heartbreak. They build stories.
And this Knicks vs Raptors chapter? It’s far from over.
Conclusion
The Knicks’ 117–101 win over the Raptors showed what they can be at their best: deadly efficient on offense, locked in defensively, and capable of hitting the right shots at the right time. With Brunson leading the charge and role players stepping up, New York looks dangerous.
The Raptors hit a rough patch — injuries, cold shooting, and lack of balance — and paid the price. They still have time to regroup, but the margin for error is shrinking fast.
Bottom line: this game reshapes the Knicks vs Raptors narrative for the 2025 – 2026 season. The Cup semifinals await, and if the Knicks bring the same focus, they might just bring back hardware.
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