Knicks Clinch Third Seed, Defeats the Raptors

By Daniel Feuerstein | New York, NY | April 10th, 2026

The New York Knicks returned to Madison Square Garden in the second game of a back-to-back night. after a difficult game, but earning the victory over the Celtics. They came back for another game and faced the Toronto Raptors, who limped in without R.J. Barrett & Emmanuel Quickley as they were sidelined with injuries. This was an important game for the Knicks, as this victory would mean they would clinch the third seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs. A steady diet of jumpers and amazing play as the Knicks defeated the Raptors by a final score of 112 to 95.

From the start of the game till the end, the Knicks put their foot on the gas and took down the Raptors all over the floor. They held the lead all game long and made sure the Raptors never got into a groove to catch up and get close enough to overtake them any time during the night. Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 29 points, while Karl Anthony Towns had a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Sandro Mamukelashvili came off the bench and led all Raptors scorers with 17 points and eight rebounds

First Half: Knicks start hot and never cooled off

Karl Anthony Towns had a strong start in the opening quarter, scoring 7 points and grabbing 4 rebounds; his teammates got going as well, with several strong perimeter shots and open shots on the floor. They continued to hit three-pointers, and on an amazing play, three Knicks would get involved in a passing play, and when the ball was inside the paint, Jordan Clarkson made an amazing layup using the glass to earn a nice bucket. Clarkson also drained some big shots while just avoiding the shot clock buzzer going off.

Second Half: Knicks continue to lead and never look back

The entire second half was spent maintaining the lead and never giving the Raptors any chance to get into a rhythm. Several big shots and slams from Towns, Bridges, Brunson, and the bench made some nice plays to continue the onslaught. After the final buzzer sounded, the Knicks clinched third place in the Eastern Conference and will now finish the string of the regular season and wait for their opponent in the first round, as the Detroit Pistons clinched first place, and the Boston Celtics clinched second place.

KEY STATS:
TORONTO: 36 FOR 73 FG’S, 10 FOR 25 3PTS, 13 FOR 20 FT
NEW YORK: 41 FOR 75 FG’S, 8 FOR 31 3PTS, 22 FOR 27 FT’S
LARGEST LEAD: KNICKS BY 18 IN THE THIRD QUARTER
MOST POINTS: KNICKS BY 33 IN THE FOURTH QUARTER

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