Knicks edge Raptors 122-120 in preseason game at Madison Square Garden

The New York Knicks beat the Toronto Raptors 122-120 on Thursday night in an NBA preseason game at Madison Square Garden, according to ESPN's final box score and a Canadian Press report published by TSN. Toronto outscored New York 41-35 in the fourth quarter after trailing through the first three periods, but the Knicks held on. ^{[1] [2]}

ESPN's line score shows the Knicks leading 35-32 after the first quarter, 63-58 at halftime and 87-79 after three. The Knicks' first-quarter lead was also noted in SNY's game notes, carried by Yahoo Sports. ^{[1] [3]}

Who stood out

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 13 points, nine assists and a game-high 15 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges scored 14 and Andre Drummond added 14 points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes, per ESPN's box score. Landry Shamet had 13 points and Miles McBride and Jose Alvarado each scored nine. ^{[1] [2]}

For Toronto, Scottie Barnes scored 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting and RJ Barrett had 21, according to the Canadian Press. ESPN's box score lists Immanuel Quickley with 18 points and seven assists. Barrett and Quickley are both former Knicks. ^{[1] [2]}

Leonard leaves in the third

Kawhi Leonard played in the game and finished with six points on 2-of-5 shooting. The Canadian Press reported that he left with 4:42 left in the third quarter and did not return. The reports reviewed did not say why he left. ^[2]

Leonard, who returned to Toronto in an offseason trade with the Clippers, had been brought along gradually through training camp. He did not play in the Raptors' first two preseason games. ^[4]

Context and what is next

The game was the second preseason meeting between the teams in three days. Toronto won the first, on Oct. 13, by a score of 148-98, according to ESPN. The Knicks reversed that result at home, though preseason outcomes carry no standings weight. ^[5]

New York opens the 2026-27 regular season at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., according to SNY's coverage. The same report said the Knicks waived Tony Bradley and Drew Eubanks on Thursday as they settle the back of the roster. ^[3]