Knicks Turn Attention to NBA Cup Quarterfinal in Toronto; McBride Out, Towns Questionable
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The New York Knicks head to Toronto on Tuesday determined to clear the NBA Cup quarterfinal hurdle that has tripped them up in each of the past two seasons.
“Every year, we fell short at this stage,” guard Josh Hart said. “So we got to get over that hump.”
A victory over the Raptors would move New York into Saturday’s semifinal in Las Vegas against the winner of Miami vs. Orlando. Head coach Mike Brown welcomes the added stakes.
“If you’re a competitor and you want some excitement in your life, you embrace pressure,” Brown said. “In the regular season, this is about as close as you can get to simulating a playoff run.”
Injury updates
Miles McBride will not travel after an MRI on Monday confirmed a left ankle sprain suffered in Sunday’s win over Orlando. The 25-year-old guard was seen in a walking boot and is officially ruled out for Tuesday.
Karl-Anthony Towns, sidelined Sunday with left calf tightness, is listed as questionable for the matchup in Toronto.
All-Star buzz for Bridges, Anunoby
With the Knicks sitting second in the Eastern Conference, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are drawing serious All-Star consideration, according to The Athletic. Anunoby started the year as New York’s No. 2 option but missed nine games because of a hamstring strain, leaving Bridges as the stronger candidate at the moment. Both wings have paired efficient scoring with elite defense.
“He’s impacting winning,” Hart said of Bridges. “Defensively, he’s been amazing—an All-Defense player for us.”
Protecting home court
Sunday’s victory pushed New York to 13-1 at Madison Square Garden. Hart, who logged 17 points, 12 rebounds and two steals in that game, said the team takes pride in its home dominance.
“This should be the hardest place to play in the NBA, and we want teams to know that,” he said.
Source: Hoops Rumors
