Raptors fall short in preseason rematch with Knicks

NEW YORK · The Toronto Raptors lost 122-120 to the New York Knicks in NBA preseason action at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. Scottie Barnes led the way with 23 points, while Canadian RJ Barrett had 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Knicks, who fielded a significantly stronger lineup than in a 50-point loss to Toronto two days earlier, were led by Jalen Brunson's 20 points and Karl-Anthony Towns's 13 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors' star off-season acquisition, had six points on 2-of-5 shooting in 22 minutes before exiting with 4:42 left in the third quarter and not returning.

Barnes started strong, scoring nine of Toronto's first 12 baskets and going 4-for-4 from the field in the opening quarter. Both teams traded baskets as the quarter progressed, with the Knicks finding success with ball movement and the Raptors hitting three-pointers. New York carried a three-point lead into the break. The Knicks bench jumped out to a quick eight-point lead in the second quarter before the Raptors battled back. Barnes remained the focal point, finishing the half with 15 points, two rebounds and three assists while shooting 6-for-10 from the field and 3-for-3 from deep.

After the break, a committee of Raptors including Leonard and former Knicks duo Barrett and Immanuel Quickley helped build an eight-point lead. The Raptors had more offensive success when Quickley, Barrett, Leonard, Barnes and centre Collin Murray-Boyles were on the floor. New York responded with a nine-point unanswered run late in the third quarter to take an 87-79 advantage into the final frame. Barnes and Barrett continued their strong outings in the fourth, but the Knicks matched every Raptors push.

Both teams inserted bench players late, which proved valuable for Toronto. Guard Malachi Smith hit two crucial three-pointers and second-round pick Jaden Bradley completed a three-point play to cut the Knicks' lead to two. A crucial backcourt violation by New York gave Toronto a final opportunity to win, but the Knicks' defence held firm as time expired. Barnes finished with 23 points, three rebounds, four assists and four blocks. The Raptors struggled heavily with on-court communication throughout the game. It was the second game of a home-and-home series between the teams. Up next: The Raptors have one more preseason game to fix their mistakes as they take on the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

With files from Raptors HQ, Sportsnet and Yahoo Sports