Full Breakdown
Raptors and Knicks: A One-Sided Rivalry
3/4/2026, 6:26:10 AM
Current Season Overview
The Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks have faced each other three times during the current NBA season, with the Knicks dominating all encounters. The Raptors have not secured a victory against the Knicks since January 22, 2023, marking an 11-game losing streak against their Atlantic Division rivals. This season, the Knicks have outperformed the Raptors by an average margin of nearly 22 points per game, with the closest contest resulting in a 16-point loss for Toronto during the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
Historical Context
Historically, the Raptors and Knicks have had moments of competitive rivalry, notably in the early 2000s when they faced off in consecutive playoff series. The Knicks eliminated the Raptors in 2000, but Toronto avenged that loss in 2001. The rivalry has been fueled by notable figures, such as former Raptors coach Butch Carter's lawsuit against Knicks player Marcus Camby and the shared history of executives like Isiah Thomas and Glen Grunwald. However, the Knicks have struggled for years, while the Raptors enjoyed a successful run, including a championship in 2019.
Recent Performance
In their most recent matchup on January 28, 2024, the Raptors managed to limit Knicks star Jalen Brunson to just 13 points, but they were overwhelmed by the combined scoring of OG Anunoby, Mikael Bridges, and Josh Hart, who collectively scored 78 points. The Raptors have struggled with rebounding against the Knicks, consistently being outmatched in this area, which has contributed to their losses.
Key Players and Matchups
The Knicks' success this season can be attributed to key players like Jalen Brunson, who averages 26 points and 10 assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who contributes significantly on both ends of the court. Former Raptor OG Anunoby has also been pivotal, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds. The Raptors, on the other hand, have seen promising performances from Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes, with Quickley recently averaging 25 points over his last four games.
Official Statements & Responses
Immanuel Quickley emphasized the importance of overcoming teams that have previously defeated them, stating, “Anytime you play anybody that has beat you three times [in a season], you want to come out on the right end.” This sentiment reflects the Raptors' desire to break their losing streak against the Knicks and re-establish competitive relevance.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the Raptors' inability to compete with the Knicks this season highlights deeper issues within the team, particularly in their performance against top-tier opponents. The Raptors' recent struggles have raised questions about their rebuilding efforts post-championship and their capacity to reclaim their status as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.
What's Next
The Raptors will have another opportunity to face the Knicks, with a fifth matchup scheduled due to the NBA Cup format. Both teams are vying for playoff positioning, and a potential first-round playoff series could reignite the rivalry, provided the Raptors can improve their performance against New York.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Anytime you play anybody that has beat you three times [in a season], you want to come out on the right end,” — Immanuel Quickley, Knicks Guard
- “We saw that the other times that we played them, the physicality has to be at a high level to rebound.” — Immanuel Quickley, Knicks Guard
- “But we’ve got to try limit [the others].” — RJ Barrett, Knicks Forward
