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.
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.
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.
Bob Horner, one of the most recognizable names in Atlanta Braves history, died at age…
Kiké Hernández and the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered another injury setback this week when the…
Naomi Osaka had spectators on their feet after making a dramatic entrance for her French…
The Cleveland Cavaliers were swept in the Eastern Conference finals by the New York Knicks,…
Lionel Messi being substituted during an Inter Miami CF match due to muscle fatigue has…
Freddie Freeman may be entering the final years of his Hall of Fame baseball career,…