Knicks handle Raptors to advance to into NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas

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NEW YORK — The New York Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors 117–101 to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas.

The Knicks are rolling, winning eight of their last nine games. Guard Jalen Brunson scored 20 of his 35 points in the first quarter. Raptors forward Brandon Ingram finished with 31 points in the loss.

Karl-Anthony Towns, returning from a one-game absence because of calf tightness, added 14 points and 16 rebounds.

Efficiency was the biggest difference between the two teams. The Knicks shot 53% from the field and 43% from 3-point range, while the Raptors shot 43% from the field and 29% from deep.

In the second quarter, New York held Toronto to just 13 points after allowing 39 in the first. The Raptors lost momentum and never recovered.

Toronto started the season strong with a nine-game winning streak in November but has dropped six of its last seven.

New York sits second in the Eastern Conference at 17–7, behind the Detroit Pistons (19–5). After starting the season 8–6, the Knicks have found their stride.

The Knicks will face the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup semifinals on Dec. 13 in Las Vegas. Orlando also surged after a slow start, opening 1–4 but improving to 15–10 and climbing to fourth in the East.

The teams have already met three times this season, with Orlando winning two of the matchups. With added financial incentives in the NBA Cup, the meeting could serve as a playoff preview.

The winner between the Knicks and Magic will face the Western Conference representative in the finals. The remaining West contenders are the Suns, Thunder, Lakers and Spurs. Oklahoma City reached last year’s final, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks 97–81.