Lost weekend for Raptors after big defeat to rival Knicks

Contents of the article

For the first time as a Toronto Raptor, Brandon Ingram looked dazed and completely out of touch with the flow of the game and how he could best impact the game.

Contents of the article

Heading into Toronto's back-to-back weekend set against the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks, Ingram was coming off a game in which he buried the winner with 0.6 seconds left after scoring a season-high 37 points two nights earlier.

Contents of the article

Contents of the article

This week marks the one-year anniversary of Ingram's ankle injury while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, a setback that derailed his season. In some ways he deserves the benefit of the doubt, but in others there is no excuse for how poorly he played in losses on Saturday in Charlotte and Sunday in New York as the host Knicks cruised to a 116-94 victory.

Ingram was prone to turnover in Gotham and didn't exude the same confidence he showed this season as the Raptors' best offensive player.

Contents of the article

Contents of the article

Early mistakes are hard to erase

Down two starting spots and trailing by as many as 24 points, the Raptors showed the ability to fight back, making Sunday night's outcome even remotely interesting. A more efficient Ingram would help matters, as would a more intense defensive posture from the Raptors, who had to call timeouts three times in the first quarter.

Encouraging signs can be found in how Scotty Barnes continues to play at a high level and as a rookie, Collin Murray-Boyles played with power and energy against the Knicks, who improved to 10-1 at home. The Knicks haven't been as impressive on the road, winning three of eight.

One of the Raptors the biggest games in recent years will take place at home on December 9 when they host the Knicks with a trip to Las Vegas for the NBA Cup on the line.

Contents of the article

It's safe to say they won't have the same bad start they did on Sunday. It's safe to say that Ingram, who had more turnovers than baskets against the Knicks, it will be much better too.

Here are three takeaways from Toronto's first visit of the season to Madison Square Garden, where things looked bleak even before the Raptors found their form and ultimately lost their second straight win after winning nine in a row.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Play video

1. Scotty B's three-pointer.

When his feet are spread, his shoulders are squared towards the basket and he flinches, Barnes more than capable of draining threes.

Three minutes into the second quarter, Barnes hit his fourth three-pointer to set a season high.

His three-ball prowess inspired the Raptors, who suddenly found themselves in a game that looked lost minutes after the opening shot.

Contents of the article

Much improved defense coupled with Murray-Boyles' rebounding presence were other factors that turned the loss into a competitive game. It also helped when the Knicks missed open looks.

Barnes missed his final three shots from long range and was 4-for-7 on the night.

2. Tested in battle

Jamison Battle got a start for the first time this season as Jakob Poeltl was treated for injuries.

Poeltl continuing to deal with lower back issues is a delicate needle to wade for the Raptors, knowing he's their only legitimate big man who isn't at the point where he can play in back-to-back games.

Battle did not play in Saturday's overtime loss to Charlotte. One night he started but didn't do much.

Last year, Battle made 10 starts in his rookie season.

Contents of the article

For the second straight game, Ja'Kobi Walter started in place of the injured RJ Barrett (knee) in the short lineup.

On Toronto's first possession, Battle's presence on the perimeter allowed the Raptors to distribute the ball. He got a good look at the basket from the left baseline but missed.

3. Poverty in Manhattan

On Saturday, the Raptors lost in the fourth quarter to the Hornets, whose first lead came in overtime, within five minutes, 17 seconds.

Against the Knicks, the Raptors didn't seem to learn from their failure. And forget about any factor of fatigue.

Mental toughness is required, and the Raptors have proven mentally fragile at times.

Toronto trailed the Knicks by nine points when they called a timeout six minutes into the first quarter. When they emerged from their huddle, the Raptors left Jamal Sheed and Sandro Mamukelashvili on the floor in an apparent attempt to inject energy into a lifeless group.

Contents of the article

Ingram's fourth-quarter struggles against Charlotte carried over into Sunday's game, when he missed his first five shots. His defense this weekend was a complete joke.

The Raptors' defense was so bad Sunday that a second timeout was called with 2:47 left in the first quarter with the Knicks leading 32-17. A third timeout would be called with the Raptors looking at a 38-17 hole.

Toronto had no idea how to defend against New York's penetration and shooting, which led to open looks and a lot of hits from beyond the three-point arc.

After one period, the Raptors trailed 41-22.

The night before, Toronto led by 17 points and lost.

Next

The Raptors have a big stretch ahead of them, starting a five-game homestand on Tuesday night when Portland comes to town; the extended stay at home will end on December 9 with the NBA Cup quarterfinals against the Knicks; look for the tip at 8:30 p.m., the nightcap of the evening's Cup, with Orlando hosting Miami at 6 p.m.

[email protected]

Contents of the article