TORONTO — The streaking Knicks are taking their luck to Sin City.
Behind an efficient masterclass from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks pummeled the Raptors in Tuesday night’s NBA Cup quarterfinal, 117-101, advancing to Saturday’s semifinal in Las Vegas against the Orlando Magic.
Brunson, who thrives in the single-game elimination environment (check out his two NCAA titles with ’Nova), scored 35 points on 13-of-19 shooting, dissecting Toronto’s porous defense while getting off smooth and swishing jumpers.
Jalen Brunson, who scored a game-high 35 points, shoots a jumper during the Knicks’ 117-101 road win over the Raptors in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on Dec. 9, 2025. Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
He was 6-of-9 from deep, and the Knicks (17-7), winners of four straight and eight of their last nine, cruised to the final buzzer, never allowing the lead to reach single-digits in the second half.
Brunson was joined in offensive efficiency by his Villanova buddy, Josh Hart, who dropped in 21 points on 8-of-11 from the field.
Karl-Anthony Towns, returning from a one-game absence because of calf tightness, added 14 points with 16 boards.
After falling in the NBA Cup’s quarterfinals the last two years — including last season’s infamous Trae Young dice roll on the MSG midcourt logo — the Knicks are in the Vegas Final 4.
But it didn’t start so pretty Tuesday for NYK.
Karl-Anthony Towns slams home a dunk during the Knicks’ win over the Raptors in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. NBAE via Getty Images
The first quarter was a slopfest for the Knicks, who committed seven turnovers that led to 12 Raptors points.
Toronto led after that opening quarter, 39-35, despite Brunson going off for 20 points in the first nine minutes.
The Knicks picked up the defensive intensity in the second quarter, dominating those 12 minutes to take a 17-point lead into the break.
The Raptors (15-11) are fragile, understaffed, and they folded.
They were at home but the clear underdogs, having lost five of their previous six games — including a lopsided defeat at MSG last week.
Toronto was also missing former Knicks RJ Barrett, who has a knee injury, and Immanuel Quickley, who was a late scratch with an illness.
Josh Hart looks to make a pass during the Knicks’ NBA Cup quarterfinal win over the Raptors. NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks, who didn’t have Miles McBride because of what a source described as a high ankle sprain, have been vocal about their desire to win the NBA Cup despite its scheduling conundrums.
Since the Knicks won, they’ll fly across the country to Vegas for a road trip that could last a week and end in Indianapolis.
If they had lost, they would’ve gone home for about a week with just one home game.
So now they’ll hit the road instead of enjoying a mini winter break.
And as a reward for their schlepping, the Knicks earned more prize money with semifinalists collecting over $100K per player compared to the over $50K for quarterfinalists (a championship would net them over $500K apiece).
