New York Knicks: Keys To Game vs. Toronto Raptors

Dec 21, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) dribbles the ball as New York Knicks guard Jose Calderon (3) defends at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 118-108. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Matchup Of The Game: Jose Calderon vs. Kyle Lowry

Many Knicks fans and people in the media have been calling for Calderon’s head, as he is off to a poor start this season. With capable backups, many people are calling for Derek Fisher to make a change. He has been reluctant to, leaving Calderon and fellow veteran Sasha Vujacic in the starting backcourt. Calderon is coming off his best game of the season, but will have his hands full again tonight against Kyle Lowry.

Lowry is one of the more underrated point guards in the NBA, and looks like a totally different player thus far this season. He came into the season in better shape, and it shows. He is playing 34.6 minutes per game, averaging 18.3 points, five rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He struggled his last time out, shooting 4-of-16 against the Miami Heat, but if there is anyone you want to face to get your game back on track it is Calderon.

Calderon has struggled mightily defensively this season, much like he has throughout his career. This season it has been especially poor, as he hasn’t yet made up for it with his performance on the offensive side prior to Sunday’s game against the Lakers.

The Knicks are hoping that Calderon can continue his momentum against Lowry and the Raptors. He scored a season-high 14 last time out, and the Knicks are hoping he brings more of that tonight. Lowry will surely be charged up to put his poor game behind him, so hopefully Calderon is up to the task to try and keep up with him.

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