Westchester Knicks Edge Raptors 905 in Thrilling 109-106 Win
The Westchester Knicks topped the Raptors 905 109-106 in a down-to-the-wire thriller. The Knicks aimed to regain consistency, entering the game with a 3-2 record in their last five. Leading scorer T.J. Warren finished with a team-high 22 points, supported by Jacob Toppin (21), Chuma Okeke (21), and Jamal Bey (20), who combined for 64 of the Knicks’ 109 points.
Both teams started the first quarter slowly. Knicks guard Boo Buie scored the first points with a jumper two minutes into the quarter. After the slow start, the Knicks found their rhythm, surging ahead with a flurry of jumpers and establishing an early 11-4 lead over the Raptors 905. The 905 struggled offensively, shooting just 2-of-9 midway through the first quarter.
Raptors Strike Back Early
The 905’s shots started falling after a flat start. AJ Lawson’s three-pointer gave them a 16-15 lead, their first of the game. Despite the streak, the Knicks stayed resilient. Eugene Omruyi scored 11 of the 905’s 24 first-quarter points, shooting 50% from the field. Both teams finished the quarter tied at 24 apiece.
The second quarter began with quick six-point exchanges for both teams. The Knicks’ defense faltered, allowing the 905 multiple easy baskets in the paint. Warren struggled with foul trouble and just four points on 1-of-7 shooting before halftime. Evan Gilyard II added a jumper, extending the Raptors’ lead to 17.
Kennedy Chandler, Omruyi, and Lawson combined for 47 of the 905’s 63 first-half points. The Raptors shot 66% in the quarter, while the Knicks managed 39%, with only Okeke in double figures.
Knicks Fight Back
The 905 started the second half strong, extending their lead to 20 early in the third. The Knicks responded with buckets from Buie, Warren, and Toppin, cutting the deficit to 10. Back-to-back turnovers allowed the Raptors to push their lead back to 18.
The crowd roared as Alex O’Connell, Bey, and Warren hit three-pointers to reduce the gap to nine. Warren added another three points, reducing the deficit to six. The 905 led, 87-81, entering the fourth quarter.
The Knicks opened the fourth with a layup following a Raptors turnover, narrowing the score to 87-83. Tylor Perry’s three-pointer temporarily stopped the rally, but the Knicks continued their push. Okeke’s three tied the game, and a corner three from Jordan Tucker gave the Knicks their first lead since early in the first quarter.
Okeke added a jumper, extending the lead to five. The Knicks closed out the 109-106 victory as the County Center erupted in celebration.
Interior Battle Dominates
Both teams showcased dominance in the paint, combining for over 100 points. The Raptors shot slightly better overall (45.2% vs. 45%) but failed to secure the win. The Knicks improved their record and demonstrated resilience despite early struggles.
The Westchester Knicks will face the Long Island Nets at home on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern. This game marks a key matchup before a long March road trip.
