Knicks' Cats Scratch Toronto Raptors

By the time this different form of court was adjourned, the New York Knicks convincingly pushed the verdict in their favor thanks to some Villanova alumni. 

The Knicks' Wildcat contingent took over Friday night's game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena: Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart all reached double figures in a 119-106 victory, the Knicks' third in a row and seventh in the past nine. 

Fresh off a 42-point game on Thursday against Detroit, Brunson once again led the Knicks with 22 points and also dished out eight assists. DiVincenzo and Hart scored 21 and 17 off the bench respectively while Julius Randle, originally listed as questionable with knee inflammation, fell just short of a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. 

New York's reserves were particularly impressive: DiVincenzo scored each of his points on seven three-pointers (tying a career-high set on Nov. 18 in Charlotte) while Hart permanently shifted momentum by scoring 15 consecutive points in the latter stages of a third period the Knicks won 33-20.

The Knicks (12-7) improved to 2-3 in the second half of back-to-back sets this season and also moved up to a season-best five games over. 500. This week's visit to Ontario was the first since the Knicks filed a lawsuit against the Raptors' organization and ownership group over the alleged funneling of proprietary information. 

Toronto (9-11) saw a three-game winning streak at Scotiabank Arena come to an end despite a game-best 29 points from Scottie Barnes. The Knicks will host the Raptors at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 11.

Friday marked the Knicks' final game before they play for In-Season Tournament glory on Tuesday night, facing the Milwaukee Bucks in the quarterfinal portion of the knockout stage (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG/TNT).