Brunson Scores 35 as Knicks Defeat Raptors 117-101, Reach NBA Semis/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Jalen Brunson poured in 35 points to lead the New York Knicks past the Toronto Raptors 117-101, sending New York to the NBA Cup semifinals for the first time. Karl-Anthony Towns added a double-double in his return from injury. The Knicks will face Orlando next in Las Vegas.
Knicks Advance to NBA Cup Semifinal Quick Looks:
- Jalen Brunson leads Knicks with 35 points, 26 in the first half.
- Knicks beat Raptors 117-101 to reach first-ever NBA Cup semifinal.
- Josh Hart scores 21; Karl-Anthony Towns posts 14 points, 16 rebounds.
- Knicks will play Orlando in Las Vegas on Saturday.
- Mikal Bridges (15 points), OG Anunoby (13) contribute for New York.
- Raptors drop fourth straight game despite Brandon Ingram’s 31 points.
- Toronto’s offense collapses in second quarter, scoring only 13.
- Immanuel Quickley (illness) and RJ Barrett (knee) both inactive.
- Knicks now 11-4 all-time in NBA Cup action.
- Raptors went 4-0 in group play but are 1-6 since.
Deep Look
Brunson Drops 35 as Knicks Top Raptors, Head to NBA Cup Semis
TORONTO — Jalen Brunson scored 35 points, including a dominant 26-point first half, as the New York Knicks surged past the Toronto Raptors 117-101 on Tuesday night to earn their first trip to the NBA Cup semifinals.
It was a historic night for the Knicks, who had previously reached the quarterfinals in each of the past two tournaments but failed to advance. Now 11-4 all-time in NBA Cup play, New York will face the Orlando Magic in Las Vegas on Saturday for a chance to play in the championship game.
The Magic advanced earlier in the evening with a win over the Miami Heat.
Brunson Sets the Tone Early
Brunson was electric from the start, racking up 26 points in the first half — his most in any half this season — and keeping Toronto on the back foot throughout. He shot efficiently and exploited gaps in the Raptors’ defense while orchestrating the Knicks’ offense with poise.
Josh Hart added 21 points, and Mikal Bridges contributed 15, while Karl-Anthony Towns, returning from a calf issue that kept him out of Sunday’s win over Orlando, tallied 14 points and 16 rebounds for a strong double-double.
Former Raptor OG Anunoby also made an impact against his old team, finishing with 13 points.
Raptors Falter After Strong Start
Toronto’s Brandon Ingram led the home team with 31 points, including 17 in the first quarter, but his early momentum didn’t last. Rookie Jamal Shead notched a career-high 18 points, while Scottie Barnes and Ja’Kobe Walter each added 13. Jakob Poeltl chipped in with 10.
Despite a promising first quarter, the Raptors completely unraveled in the second. After a hot start, they missed 13 of their first 15 shots in the frame and finished just 5-for-21, getting outscored 34-13 in a disastrous quarter that flipped the game.
New York held a commanding 69-52 halftime lead and never looked back.
Shorthanded Raptors Struggle Again
Toronto was without two key pieces on Tuesday: Immanuel Quickley missed the game due to illness, while RJ Barrett sat out for the ninth consecutive game with a sprained knee.
After going 4-0 in group play and enjoying a hot stretch where they went 13-1, the Raptors have now dropped four straight — all at home — and are 1-6 in their last seven.
What’s Next
- Knicks: Will face Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on Saturday.
- Raptors: Travel to Miami to play the Heat on Monday.
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