Imagine a basketball rivalry so intense that one team hasn’t tasted victory against their opponent in over three years. That’s the story of the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks, who clashed in a thrilling matchup on March 3, 2026, with the Knicks emerging victorious 111-95. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: this win extended the Knicks’ dominance over the Raptors to a staggering 12-game streak, dating back to January 22, 2023. And this is the part most people miss—despite Toronto’s early momentum, including a scorching start from beyond the arc, they couldn’t sustain the pace against a relentless Knicks squad.
Led by Jalen Brunson’s stellar performance of 26 points and 10 assists, and Karl-Anthony Towns’ double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds, the Knicks showcased their depth and determination. But here’s the controversial take: Is Toronto’s struggle against New York a coaching issue, or simply a matter of matchup mismatch? The Raptors’ Brandon Ingram dropped 31 points, yet it wasn’t enough to overcome the Knicks’ balanced attack, which included contributions from OG Anunoby (15 points), Landry Shamet (12 points), and Josh Hart (12 points).
The game wasn’t without its flaws—both teams battled turnovers, with the Knicks giving up 17 and the Raptors committing 15. However, New York’s bench proved to be the game-changer, outscoring Toronto’s reserves 26-8. And this is where it gets even more fascinating: Despite Toronto’s early 25-15 lead in the first quarter, they couldn’t maintain their rhythm, trailing 68-58 by halftime. The Raptors’ 3-point shooting cooled off dramatically after a hot start, going just 5 for 25 from deep after their initial three makes.
With this win, the Knicks (40-22) joined Detroit and Boston as the third Eastern Conference team to reach 40 wins, solidifying their playoff contender status. Meanwhile, the Raptors (35-26) dropped their fourth straight home game and fell to 4-10 against Atlantic Division opponents. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Can the Raptors break their Knicks curse, or is this rivalry destined to remain one-sided?
Looking ahead, the Knicks host Oklahoma City next Wednesday, while the Raptors travel to Minnesota on Thursday. Will Toronto turn their season around, or will their struggles persist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
