New York Knicks logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Here are some notes for those fans getting ready to watch the New York Knicks (40-26) take on the Toronto Raptors (26-42) in NBA action tonight. This will be the first part of a home-and-home, back-to-back games against the Raptors.
This will also be the third of four meetings between these two teams, with the Knicks looking to avenge a 100-98 loss on 2/22 and a 92-88 loss on 2/13. The Knicks have not lost a season series versus Toronto in each of the last two seasons, so you know the pressure is on for the guys to get a big w tonight.
JR Smith paced the Knicks with 22.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in two meetings against Toronto this season. Carmelo Anthony recorded 22.0 points and 9.0 boards, while Raymond Felton tallied 13.0 points and 4.0 assists in two meetings.
Smith’s Stellar Performance:
JR Smith recorded a team-high 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds in over 38 minutes in the March 20th victory versus Orlando. This is the 21st time this season Smith has reached the 20-point mark. Smith has led the team in scoring 13 times this season, with the Knicks holding a 29-14 record when Smith scores 15 or more points.
Super Subs:
The New York Knicks bench continues to play a pivotal role for the franchise, as the super subs is first in the NBA with 50.1 points in the last 10 games. Overall the bench is second in the NBA in scoring 40.9 points-per-game.
Just the Facts:
New York is 40-26 on the season. This is the fastest and earliest the Knicks have reached the 40-win plateau since the 2000-01 season, when they were also 40-26 on March 17.
This Date in Knicks History:
1994: New York wins their 10th straight game with an 87-78 victory over the Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Hubert Davis scores a team-high 24 points.
The Knicks and Raptors game is set to air on the MSG Network, with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.