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New York Knicks Recap: Knicks Defeat Atlantic Division Leading Toronto Raptors

By Kenneth Teape

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98. 81. Final. 103. 27

New York Knicks Recap: Total Team Effort Gets Knicks Second Consecutive Win Over Toronto Raptors

The New York Knicks were right back at it Saturday night, and for the second consecutive night and game, they were able to pull out a hard fought victory. Tonight the win came against the Atlantic Division leading Toronto Raptors, giving the Knicks one of their best wins of the season. As it has been without Carmelo Anthony around because of his knee surgery, it was a total team effort for the Knicks tonight to be on the winning side of the outcome.

The Knicks will have a couple of days off until they face the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night, which is the makeup game from the one that was postponed because of inclimate weather back on January 26th.

Player of the Game: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Playing with a heavy heart with the passing of Anthony Mason earlier in the day, Hardaway Jr. put together a strong performance to will the Knicks to a victory. Hardaway Jr. looked like a completely different player tonight, as he said that he was playing for Mason tonight, and he finally looks to be growing into a role.

In what seemed to be an ode to Mason, Hardaway Jr. put in an outstanding effort on the glass, pulling down a career-high tying seven rebounds. With that, he poured in a game-high 22 points on 8-15 from the field, including 2-5 from three-point land. He also put together arguably his best defensive effort of the season, being one of the factors for DeMar DeRozan struggling so mightily tonight.

If the Knicks continue to get performances and effort like this from Hardaway Jr., the rest of the season will be a lot easier to watch.

-Double Dose Of Clutch

Feb 28, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Langston Galloway (2) celebrates with shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (5) after hitting a three point shot against the Toronto Raptors late during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Raptors 103-98. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

For the second consecutive night, Langston Galloway provided the heorics. Last night against the Detroit Pistons, Galloway knocked down a three-pointer in the waning seconds to tie the game and force overtime. Tonight, he knocked down another three-pointer in the waning seconds to help ice the victory for the Knicks.

Galloway has had a thing for the theatrics with the Knicks, as he seems to always come through when they need him most at the end of the games. Tonight he didn’t shoot the ball much, making only 2-5 from the field, but he made them count. He also added a team-high eight rebounds, one assist and two steals.

-Getting To The Foul Line

For the second consecutive game, the Knicks were able to make a living at the foul line. Last night it was the deciding factor in their victory, and tonight it definitely helped as well. The Knicks attempted 38 free throws tonight, making 30 of them, which was a season high. That was 10 more attempts and eight more makes than the Raptors had in the game.

-DeRozan Derailed

More from New York Knicks

The Knicks caught a break with Kyle Lowry sitting for a rest day, but still had their hands full with DeMar DeRozan. The Knicks were able to neutralize him throughout, and kept in easily in check.

DeRozan was held to 3-15 shooting on the night, highlighted by a missed 360 dunk attempt. He finished with 13 points, as he still was able to make 7-8 from the foul line.

DeRozan struggled like many of his teammates, as the Raptors were held to 42 percent shooting on the night and 27.6 percent from deep. The Knicks brought it on the defensive end, which is always encouraging to see especially on the second night of a back-to-back.

Next: Who were the best athletes in New York Last Year?

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