Knicks defeat Raptors 136-130 in first game since Robinson injury

With 34 points from Julius Randle and a season-high 19 from Quentin Grimes, the Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors 136-130 on Monday night despite some unfortunate injury news.

RJ Barrett contributed 27 points while Jalen Brunson managed 21 points and nine assists for the Knicks. It marked the team's first game with a new starting center due to Mitchell Robinson's left ankle stress fracture, requiring surgery. Robinson, a significant force in offensive rebounds, faces at least an eight-week recovery.

"We'll have to adjust without him covering our mistakes," mentioned Randle.

New York seized control in the fourth quarter with impactful performances from their bench players. Despite recent struggles and losing his starting spot to Donte DiVincenzo, Grimes hit a crucial 3-pointer, and Josh Hart also scored during a pivotal 7-0 run, turning a tie game into a 115-108 lead.

Grimes extended the lead with another 3-pointer, and Hart's successive baskets pushed it to 129-119 shortly after.

Coach Tom Thibodeau praised the bench unit's performance, acknowledging the absence of Immanuel Quickley due to knee soreness:

"Our bench is stepping up. We need everyone firing on all cylinders to bring out the best in each other and secure wins."

Hart concluded with 16 points as the Knicks bounced back from recent losses to Milwaukee and Boston.

OG Anunoby notched a season-high 29 points for the Raptors, who suffered their fourth consecutive loss, two of which were against New York. Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, and Dennis Schroder each contributed 20 points.

"It was a high-scoring game. Both sides made tough shots," Anunoby reflected. "We had breakdowns, they did too, but they capitalized on tough opportunities."

This was New York's lone home game among the first nine in December. They now embark on a five-game road stretch, beginning in Utah and returning to Madison Square Garden on Dec. 23 against the Bucks.

Jericho Sims started at center, with Isaiah Hartenstein supporting the second unit. Hartenstein tallied 11 points and eight rebounds, while Sims secured seven boards.

The game commenced with Randle scoring 15 points in the opening quarter, but Barnes' 3-pointer leveled the score at 35 entering the second. At halftime, the Knicks held a 66-60 lead after Barnes' late 3-pointer.

Anunoby's 15-point third quarter brought the Raptors within striking distance at 98-97 heading into the final quarter.

UP NEXT:

Raptors: Host Atlanta for a two-game series on Wednesday and Friday.

Knicks: Travel to Utah on Wednesday to kick off a five-game road trip.