Former Raptor OG Anunoby, and his New York Knicks teammate Mikal Bridges dominated a Raptors team just back from a big road trip.<\/p>\n
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Published Jan 28, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 1\u00a0hour ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 3 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n After a stellar road trip, reality bit the Toronto Raptors hard at home on Wednesday night. Once again, it was familiar foe New York being a thorn in their side.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Leading for much of the night, Toronto gave up a 13-0 run late in the third quarter (11 of the points were scored by Mikal Bridges) and then got drilled in the fourth on the way to a 119-92\u00a0loss.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n It was the 11th straight defeat to New York for the Raptors, including a blowout that knocked them out of the NBA Cup tournament<\/a> earlier this season.<\/p>\n Bridges led the way with 30 points, while former Raptor OG Anunoby was great on both ends of the floor with a season-best 26, along with five steals and two blocks.<\/p>\n The Raptors led 51-47 at the half despite shooting only 31% from the field.<\/p>\n Toronto had an 18-6 free throw attempt advantage though and New York only shot 4-for-19 on three-pointers in the half. But once Bridges heated up and most of the Raptors continued to struggle from the field, the eventual result became obvious and inevitable.<\/p>\n Karl-Anthony Towns missed eight of his 11 shot attempts, but hauled in 22 rebounds.<\/p>\n Your Midday Sun<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n REVISITING THE TRADE<\/p>\n It has been two years plus a month since the Raptors and Knicks pulled off a blockbuster<\/a>, headlined around Anunoby heading to New York in exchange for Quickley and Barrett. New York has gone 8-0 against Toronto since the deal. The consensus has been that Anunoby was the best player involved and he has been an ideal fit and become a fan favourite in New York, but Quickley\u2019s excellent play lately \u2014 before Wednesday \u2014 has changed the narrative slightly.<\/p>\n Quickley was just named Eastern Conference player of the week for the first time and was playing his best basketball as a Raptor, while Barrett led the Raptors in scoring two straight seasons and this year has been a big reason why the team had gone 18-7, before Wednesday, with him in the lineup.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n At one point early in the game, Anunoby swatted away a Barrett attempt, but was called for a foul. No matter, the former Indiana star drilled a three-pointer the next trip down the floor and then scored a layup and was fouled by Barrett.<\/p>\n In 2024-25, Anunoby matched his a career-high of 74 games played and set a new mark, averaging 18 points a game. This year, under a new head coach, Anunoby\u2019s minutes and scoring numbers are down, but some of his advanced stats (like how often he gets to the free throw line and his rebound rate) are up. He nearly equalled his season average of 15 points with 14 points in the first half alone, leading all players. He took over in the third quarter, dominating at both ends. Meanwhile, Quickley had his worst game in a while and Barrett struggled as well.<\/p>\n Anunoby is a key for the Knicks, but if New York revisits trade talks with Milwaukee for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anunoby might have to be part of its offer.<\/p>\n There also is the question of Barrett\u2019s future in Toronto, as he has been mentioned heavily in trade rumours.<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n ROAD WARRIORS<\/p>\n Not a lot has separated the Knicks and Raptors so far this season. Both have won about 60% of the time, but interestingly, each has had trouble against quality opponents. New York is 13-14 vs. teams .500 or above, while Toronto moved to 11-13.<\/p>\n One difference: New York is 18-6 at home, but just 10-12 on the road, while Toronto has an excellent 16-9 record away from Canada, but fell to just 13-11 at Scotiabank Arena.<\/p>\n What has gone right in unfriendly surroundings for the Raptors?<\/p>\n \u201cI think the group, when we go on the road, takes advantage of spending more time together and Scottie organized a dinner when we were in OKC,\u201d head coach Darko Rajakovic said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe really spend a lot of time around each other and talk basketball. When we also win games and play to our standard, it brings the group even closer. Any time when we have those opportunities to connect off the court more, it\u2019s very beneficial for us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Toronto has defied expectations so far this season, but two things need to change if they want to take another step forward: They have to beat good opponents more often, and have to perform a lot better in front of their loyal fans.<\/p>\n @WolstatSun<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n Why a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Raptors doesn’t make sense<\/p>\n![\"OG](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0129anunobysmall-e1769656189933.jpg\")
OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks takes a shot over Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 28, 2026 in Toronto. Photo by Cole Burston \/Getty ImagesArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.4.0\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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