NEW YORK — Streak snapped. New York is back in the win column. And just in time, because things are about to heat up at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks are set to host six consecutive teams projected to qualify for the playoffs, a grueling stretch that will test their depth. The Toronto Raptors aren’t a playoff-bound group and the Knicks handled them accordingly, pulling away in the second half for a 112-98 victory at home on Wednesday night. This win was necessary — and expected.
Of the Knicks’ 19 victories in their 23-game tear leading into the New Year, 12 came against lottery-bound teams and three against an Orlando Magic squad progressively weakened by injuries with each matchup. Wednesday’s win improved the Knicks to an impressive 13-3 against teams not contending for a playoff spot. Against playoff-bound or play-in hopeful teams, however, their record sits at a more modest 12-10.
The stakes will only rise from here. The Knicks won’t see another lottery team until Jan. 21, when they travel across the bridge to face the Brooklyn Nets.
Until then, they’ll endure a punishing slate of playoff-caliber opponents, including: — A rematch with the Oklahoma City Thunder. — A showdown with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. — A gritty battle against the .
500 Detroit Pistons. — A visit to Philadelphia to face Joel Embiid and the 76ers. — Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo’s return to the Garden with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
— And a highl.
