Raptors vs. Knicks: 1/2 Final

    New York wanted to start off 2012 the same way they ended 2011, with a win.  A victory would mean that the Knickerbockers had to put a stop to the Toronto Raptors shooting.  With shooters like Jose Calderon and DeMar DeRozan, the Raptors are deadly from the field, but the Knicks have been preaching defense lately.  They have held opponents to about 96 points per game; however, the Knicks themselves have only been averaging 95 points.
     When asked about the Raptors before the game, the Knicks staff was quoted as saying not to underestimate the team, especially with the talents of Andrea Bargnani and DeMar DeRozan. With Amar'e Stoudemire sitting out for his second straight game, the Knicks had to turn to rookie Josh Harrelson again for the power forward position. Guarding Toronto was not an easy task, and New York's biggest and only lead came at the end of the 1st quarter; it was by 1 point. During the game, it was the Melo show as he scored 35 points and 11 rebounds, but Carmelo couldn't do it by himself, and the Knicks fell to 2-3.


Toronto Raptors: 90
New York Knicks: 85