DeMar DeRozan Leads Raptors To 93-89 Win Over Knicks In Last Home Game At MSG

DeMar DeRozan showed the New York Knicks exactly what they need during the offseason after scoring 27 points to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 93-89 victory over the Knicks in their last regular-season home game at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

DeMar DeRozan Leads Raptors To 93-89 Win Over Knicks

DeRozan, 26, made 12-of-17 shots and had four assists. Carmelo Anthony sat out the first quarter after scoring 21 points in 25 minutes in what could potentially be his last home game with the Knicks, who are now 32-49. Anthony later stated that he could sit the season finale Tuesday in Indianapolis.

“I don’t think about that — not right now,’’ Anthony said, regarding his tenure with the Knicks. “I can’t think about that. My mindset is figuring out how we’re going to better this situation and grow as a team, grow as an organization.’’

DeRozan, who is soon to become a free agent, admitted that he loved MSG.

“Love it. You’re not an NBA player if you don’t like playing in this building,’’ DeRozan said. “[It’s] the lights.’’

Kyle O’Quinn tied the game for the Knicks at 79 with 5:00 left before DeRozan gave the Raptors (54-26) the lead with a jumper. DeRozan then made two free throws with 2:48 left after Jerian Grant’s three-point play off a drive tied the game again at 84.

Grant, who started his fifth straight game, finished with a career-high 19 points, but only had one assist.

With the game then tied at 86 with 1:05 remaining, DeRozan completed a three-point play, edging past two Knicks defenders for a layup and drawing a foul. DeRozan passed Vince Carter to become the Raptors’ second all-time leading scorer, and scored seven points in the final four minutes, breaking a tie three times.

DeRozan also schooled shooting guard Arron Aflfalo several times. Afflalo is expected to part with the Knicks after this season.

The Knicks also played without Kristaps Porzingis, who sat out his sixth straight game. Interim coach Kurt Rambis said Porzingis is not expected to play in the season finale in Indianapolis.

The Raptors, who are now second in the Eastern Conference, will next host the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night.

Caption: NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 22: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Toronto Raptors drives against Langston Galloway #2 of the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on February 22, 2016 in New York City.

Article by Pablo Mena