NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 20: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks celebrates his basket in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden on November 20, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Knicks rebounded from their loss to the Raptors last week with a home win behind a career night from Tim Hardaway Jr.

  • New York Knicks 108 (10-7)
  • Toronto Raptors 100 (11-6)
  • NBA, Final, Box Score

Could Tim Hardaway Jr. ever possibly live up to his $71 million contract? Back in the summer, the answer was a resounding no around the league. But after Wednesday’s career-high scoring night, Hardaway made believers out of some Knicks fans.

The 25-year-old dropped 38 points on the division rival Toronto Raptors — leading his team to victory. Hardaway also chipped in six rebounds and seven assists to complete a well-rounded game. But his big night isn’t all you can take away from tonight’s win.

CLICK HERE FOR ESNY's KNICKS TEAM CENTER 

New York lost to Toronto in Toronto last week. It was important for them to bounce back with a good showing tonight. The win snapped an eight-game losing streak against the division rival Raptors.

However, the Knicks also made history with an incredible run in the third quarter. Per Ian Begley of ESPN, New York’s 28-0 run was the biggest by any team since the Cavs in 2009.

New York outscored Toronto in the third 41-10 and held off their run in the fourth. They proved they can compete with anybody on their home court as they improved to 9-3 at Madison Square Garden.

Key Stat

New York had 29 assists tonight. When they played Toronto last week they only had 17. Hardaway definitely carried the load down the stretch, but New York was playing team offense out there.

Key Player

Kristaps Porzingis wasn’t too shabby himself. On the rare occasion when he wasn’t the star, Porzingis managed 22 points and 12 rebounds. It’s weird to say it but that’s an off night for the unicorn now.

Up Next: The Knicks visit Dennis Schroder and the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

 NEXT: McBuckets! Doug McDermott has found a home with the New York Knicks 

 

-Follow ESNY - Elite Sports NY on Google News to keep up with the latest New York sports news.

Chip Murphy
I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com. I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR