You know that feeling when you run into an ex and you're both doing "fine," but there’s still that weird tension in the air? That’s basically every New York Knicks v Toronto Raptors game since the calendar flipped to 2024. Except it’s not just one ex. It’s a whole group of them.
When the Knicks and Raptors square off on January 28, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena, it won’t just be another Eastern Conference showdown. It’s a reunion. It’s a revenge plot. Honestly, it’s a case study in how one massive trade can redefine the DNA of two franchises for years.
The Trade That Never Truly Ended
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: the OG Anunoby trade. It feels like a lifetime ago, but the ripples are still hitting the shore. When the Knicks sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley north in exchange for OG, they weren't just swapping jerseys. They were swapping identities.
The Knicks became a defensive juggernaut built around Jalen Brunson’s gravity. The Raptors? They became a fast-paced, high-IQ offensive unit led by a homegrown star in Scottie Barnes and two guys who grew up in the Madison Square Garden spotlight.
Looking at the 2025-2026 season stats, the Knicks have been dominating the head-to-head recently. In fact, they’ve won 10 straight against Toronto. Just last month, on December 9, 2025, New York rolled into Toronto and walked away with a 117-101 win. A few weeks before that? A 116-94 drubbing at the Garden.
It’s been lopsided.
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But sports aren't played on paper, and the "why" behind these scores is way more interesting than the final tally.
What People Get Wrong About the Barrett-Quickley Dynamic
There’s this narrative that RJ and IQ were "cast-offs." That’s just wrong. If you listen to RJ Barrett talk now—specifically his recent comments about the "Who Cares" mentality—it's clear he learned how to handle pressure in the New York pressure cooker.
Barrett is currently shooting roughly 42-45% from the field this season, which has always been his sticking point. Critics point to the inconsistency. But man, in the clutch? He’s different. He’s averaging about 18-20 points per game, and when he’s playing against his old team, he plays with a certain "bruiser" energy that even Tom Thibodeau probably respects.
Then you have Immanuel Quickley.
In their November 30th matchup, IQ put up 19 points and 8 assists. He’s becoming a genuine floor general. He’s not just a spark plug off the bench anymore; he’s the engine. Watching him and Brunson trade buckets is like watching a masterclass in two different styles of point guard play: Brunson’s surgical footwork versus Quickley’s lightning-quick release and "swag."
Why the Knicks Keep Winning This Specific Matchup
So, why can’t Toronto get over the hump?
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It basically comes down to interior presence and Jalen Brunson.
- The Brunson Effect: Jalen Brunson is a nightmare for Toronto’s defensive schemes. He’s too patient. Even with Scottie Barnes (who’s having an All-Star caliber year with 8+ rebounds and 20+ points) trying to disrupt him, Brunson finds the gaps.
- Defensive Identity: The Knicks’ defense under Thibs is designed to take away what the Raptors do best—transition scoring. If you slow Toronto down, you win.
- The New Frontcourt Rumors: The vibes around the Knicks are currently through the roof. There’s even chatter right now in January 2026 about the Knicks looking to acquire a major star—think Anthony Davis-level—to pair with Brunson. Whether that happens or not, the current roster of Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns is just deeper than what Toronto is rolling out.
Breaking Down the "Trap Game" Potential
Toronto is 9-6 at home recently, and they play better when they can feed off the Scotiabank Arena crowd. They aren't a "bad" team; they're an "evolving" team.
The Raptors' offense relies heavily on chemistry. The Barrett-Quickley-Barnes trio is finally starting to "click" in a way that looks like real basketball and not just three guys taking turns. If Toronto wants to break this 10-game losing streak against New York, they have to win the turnover battle. In their December loss, they coughed it up way too many times, leading to easy Knicks points.
Honestly, the Knicks might be looking ahead. When a team has won 10 in a row against an opponent, they get lazy. They start thinking about the flight home or the next big game against Boston or Philly. That’s where Toronto pounces.
What to Watch For on January 28
If you're betting on this game or just watching as a fan, keep your eyes on the first six minutes of the third quarter. That’s where the Knicks usually put the hammer down.
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- OG Anunoby’s Health: He’s the linchpin. If he’s on the floor, Toronto’s offensive rating drops because he erases their best wing player.
- Scottie Barnes vs. Mikal Bridges: This is the heavyweight matchup. Bridges is one of the few humans alive who can actually stay in front of Barnes without needing a double team.
- The Bench Unit: Miles McBride has been a quiet hero for New York. If he outplays the Raptors' secondary unit, it's over.
How to Approach This Game
If you're a Knicks fan, don't get cocky. 10-0 is great, but the law of averages is a real thing in the NBA. Eventually, a team with talent like Toronto is going to have a night where they can't miss from three.
If you're a Raptors fan, look for growth. Is RJ getting to the line? Is Quickley managing the pace?
For those looking for actionable insights:
Check the injury report for OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson about two hours before tip-off. If the Knicks are thin in the middle, Toronto’s path to an upset is through the paint. Also, keep an eye on the "Points in the Paint" stat in the first half. If Toronto is leading there, the upset is on.
The Knicks are favorites for a reason, but the "New York North" vibe in Toronto makes this one of the most unpredictable games on the calendar.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Monitor the Trade Deadline: Since it's mid-January, both teams are active in trade talks. A move before the 28th could change the entire scouting report.
- Watch the Shooting Splits: Check if the Raptors' 3-point percentage has stayed above 36% in their last three games; if so, they have the firepower to keep it close.
- Ticket Check: If you're heading to Scotiabank Arena, remember that Knicks fans travel heavy—expect a loud, split crowd.