Knicks Cruise Past Raptors as Brunson Shines, Quickley Returns to the Garden
Sunday night at Madison Square Garden wasn’t just another game on the calendar - it was a statement win for the New York Knicks and a reunion of sorts, as they rolled past the Toronto Raptors 116-94 to notch their fourth straight victory and move to 13-6 on the season.
Toronto came in hot, riding early-season momentum with Brandon Ingram injecting new life into a squad that had struggled the past two years. But the Knicks, battle-tested and increasingly cohesive, never let the Raptors get comfortable. From the jump, New York controlled the tempo, leaned on its defensive identity, and got contributions across the board.
One of the night’s biggest storylines, though, wasn’t just the scoreboard - it was the return of Immanuel Quickley to the Garden. Drafted by the Knicks in 2020 and developed into a fan favorite, Quickley was sent to Toronto last season alongside RJ Barrett in the deal that brought OG Anunoby to New York. Now, Quickley’s running the show north of the border and doing it well enough to earn a five-year, $175 million extension - a clear sign Toronto sees him as a foundational piece.
Quickley’s return drew respect from his former teammates, especially Jalen Brunson, who shared the backcourt with him for a season and a half.
“This is the opportunity he was looking for, and he's showing out,” Brunson said postgame. “I have nothing but respect for him - that's my guy. We go out there, we compete, but I'm always rooting for him.”
That kind of endorsement from Brunson - the Knicks’ on-court leader and tone-setter - says a lot about how Quickley is viewed around the league. While some may question the size of his new contract, there’s no denying he’s embraced his new role and is making it work within a Raptors team that’s trying to re-establish itself in the Eastern Conference.
As for the Knicks, they took care of business in front of a home crowd that’s been treated to some gritty, high-energy basketball. Even without OG Anunoby - still sidelined with a lingering hamstring issue and no clear return date - New York looked locked in. The defense was sharp, the offense flowed, and the team played with the kind of edge that’s becoming their trademark.
This win wasn’t just about beating a solid Raptors team. It capped off a stretch of four straight victories, including a gutsy performance against the Giannis-led Milwaukee Bucks. That’s the kind of run that builds confidence, especially for a team still trying to find its full rhythm.
But the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Up next: a trip to Boston on Tuesday to face the Celtics - a division rival and perennial contender. And while the Knicks have been strong at home, they’ve struggled to find consistency on the road, holding just a 3-5 record away from the Garden.
Still, with the way this team is competing - even short-handed - they’re showing signs of a group that’s learning how to win in different ways. The chemistry is building, the defense is traveling, and Brunson continues to lead with poise and purpose.
"This is the opportunity he was looking for, and he's showing out. I have nothing but respect for him - that's my guy. We go out there, we compete, but I'm always rooting for him."
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) December 1, 2025
- Jalen Brunson on Immanuel Quickley pic.twitter.com/0Y8qmfucPA
Sunday night was more than just another W in the standings. It was a reminder that this Knicks team, even with pieces missing, is starting to look like a problem in the East.