The New York Knicks (18-13) just can not stop winning, as they have now won eight consecutive games and continue to dominate teams in virtually every facet imaginable. Next up: the Toronto Raptors (13-18).
Knicks-Raptors is a tale of two streaking teams:
Both teams come into this game on large streaks. However, the Raptors are on a disastrous losing skid.
The Raptors have lost six consecutive games and have fallen to five games under .500, and are currently in possession of the final play-in spot, sitting at the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
Over those six games, the Raptors have shot 44.3% from the field (24th in the NBA) and 30.9% from 3 (28th in the NBA). An offense that consists of All-Star caliber players such as Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam have been completely silenced over the past two weeks.
- Key Knicks reserve is ready for 2024 NBA Playoffs
- Knicks among favorites to land All-Star forward this offseason
- Knicks: JJ Redick criticizes ‘preposterous’ CBA rule that stripped Donte DiVincenzo of MIP award eligibility
Compare that to the Knicks, where despite them shooting just 45.3% from the field during their eight-game win streak, they are shooting an 11th-best 37.1% from 3 over that span. Evidently, the 3-point shooting has been the difference maker.
Toronto’s losing streak is currently the NBA’s largest active losing slide, while the Knicks hold the NBA’s largest active winning streak at eight games. Two teams that are on polar opposite trends of each other could ironically create an exciting matchup, as both teams are expected to come out hungry for a victory.
Knicks star forward Julius Randle spoke to reporters after New York capped off its eighth consecutive victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night and says that he is not looking too far into the streak.
“We’re taking the necessary steps. Still got a long way to go, and we still can improve a lot”, Randle said. “I think winning naturally gives confidence, so, like I said I’m not going to put much into a winning streak or anything. It’s December still.”
Julius Randle via NBA Entertainment
Follow this writer on Twitter for more Knicks coverage.