Categories: NewsZ-Home Slider

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.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

“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.

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.

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

LIV Golf Plans For Liquidation After Investors Back Out

LIV Golf has now ended. The league met in New Jersey bankruptcy court; it took…

2 days ago

Victor Wembanyama Sets Career-Highs In Video Game-Like Performance Against Mavericks

Victor Wembanyama earned the MVP chants that he received from fans at the Frost Bank…

2 days ago

Russell Wilson Interviews For NC State Head Coaching Job

After retiring from the NFL earlier this year, former QB Russell Wilson has reportedly interviewed…

2 days ago

Cristiano Ronaldo Announces His Retirement From Portugal National Team After Fight With Coach

Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he is retiring from the Portugal national team, ending one of…

2 days ago

Deshaun Watson Could Miss Week 9 After Being Placed In Concussion Protocol

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Watson was…

3 days ago

Bills Release C.J. Gardner-Johnson After Spitting Suspension

The Buffalo Bills have released safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson after serving a one-game suspension for spitting…

3 days ago