Knicks Flash Firepower, But Familiar Lulls Raise Questions in Win Over Raptors
The Knicks keep proving they can light up the scoreboard with the best of them. On Sunday, they did it again - this time with a 41-point first quarter that had Madison Square Garden buzzing and the Toronto Raptors reeling.
It was the ninth time this season New York has dropped 40 or more in a single quarter, the most in the NBA. That’s not just impressive - it’s elite company in a league built on high-octane offenses.
But here’s the thing: as quickly as the Knicks can build a lead, they can also let it slip. And once again, that pattern showed up.
After that explosive start, the Knicks hit a wall in the second quarter, managing just 18 points. The energy dipped.
The ball movement stalled. The defense, which had been active and disruptive early, softened.
And when Scottie Barnes hit three straight threes from the top of the key - same spot, same result - the Raptors suddenly found life, trimming what looked like a blowout into a manageable seven-point deficit by halftime.
Yes, the Knicks ultimately handled business, closing out a 116-94 win to improve to 13-3 on the season and a dominant 10-1 at home. They pulled away late, reestablishing control with a 34-point third quarter that restored their cushion.
But the game followed a script that’s becoming a little too familiar: start hot, cool off, regroup, finish strong. It works - until it doesn’t.
The Firepower Is Real
Let’s start with the positives, because there were plenty. Miles McBride came out scorching, burying four of his first five from deep and outscoring the entire Raptors squad 12-10 in the early minutes. That kind of microwave scoring off the bench is a luxury, and McBride’s early burst set the tone.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, looking comfortable and efficient in his spots. Josh Hart had one of his most complete performances of the season, stuffing the stat sheet with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. He hit four of his seven triples and played with the kind of edge and effort that’s become his signature.
Jalen Brunson added 18 points, seven assists, and six boards in a relatively light night’s work, and once again, all five Knicks starters finished in double figures. Mitchell Robinson, meanwhile, was a force on the glass - 15 rebounds in just 17 minutes, including seven on the offensive end. That kind of second-chance creation is game-changing.
But the Drop-Offs Keep Coming
Still, the question that keeps hanging over this team isn’t whether they can score - it’s whether they can sustain.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a blistering start followed by a sudden stall. Back on Nov. 9, a 40-point first quarter against Brooklyn was followed by a 40-point second quarter allowed - and that was without Cam Thomas in the Nets’ lineup.
Against Memphis, the Knicks opened with 42, only to give up 39 in the third. In a win over Miami, they dropped 46 in the second quarter, then surrendered 36 in the third.
Sunday’s let-up wasn’t quite as dramatic, but it was enough to raise eyebrows. After the 41-point opening, the Knicks managed just 18 in the second - a steep drop-off that let the Raptors back into a game that should’ve been out of reach early.
And while the Knicks never fully lost control, they did give Toronto a window. Against better teams, that window could be costly.
Josh Hart didn’t sugarcoat it postgame: “Just discipline. We got a little lazy at certain points in the game. They’re a good team, they made runs and we were able to weather the storm.”
Looking Ahead: Same Opponent, Higher Stakes
The Raptors will get another crack at the Knicks soon - and this time, it’ll count for a lot more. On Dec. 9, the two teams meet again in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, with a trip to Las Vegas on the line. That game will be in Toronto, and the margin for error will be slimmer.
Raptors head coach Mike Brown had high praise for New York’s athleticism and versatility before Sunday’s matchup, noting their ability to score at all three levels and create chaos defensively. But what stood out more was how quickly Toronto was able to claw back into the game once the Knicks’ intensity dipped.
Immanuel Quickley, back at The Garden, added 19 points and seven assists for the Raptors, while Barnes finished with 18 points on 7-of-17 shooting. They didn’t have enough to complete the comeback, but they showed just enough to make the rematch worth circling on the calendar.
Big Picture: Can the Knicks Learn to Finish What They Start?
Basketball is a game of runs - that’s not new. But for a Knicks team that’s proving it can build big leads in a hurry, the next step is learning how to extend them, not just survive the inevitable pushback.
So far, they’re 7-1 in games where they’ve posted a 40-point quarter. That’s a strong record.
But depending on early explosions and late recoveries isn’t a long-term formula.
The offense is explosive. The defense, when locked in, can be disruptive.
The depth is real, and the chemistry is growing. But if this team wants to make real noise - not just in the NBA Cup, but deep into the spring - they’ll need to tighten the screws during those middle quarters.
The lapses are small, but the best teams will pounce on them.
For now, the Knicks keep stacking wins - and doing it in style. But the margin for error shrinks the deeper you go. And if they want to turn that firepower into something more lasting, they’ll need to match their early-game urgency with late-game discipline.