In the knockout stage of the NBA Cup with a trip to Las Vegas at stake, the Raptors were knocked out.

In fact, the visiting New York Knicks beat the Raptors into submission in a quarterfinal matchup that was as flat as many of Toronto’s jumpers.

So much anticipation surrounding the game, yet so little compelling moments, outside of the opening quarter when the Raptors looked good by playing inspired basketball. They ended up losing 117-101.

The physically and mentally tough Knicks are a bad matchup for the Raptors, who were missing two starters and whose bench basically went missing in action when it mattered.

Following Tuesday’s loss, the Raptors ended their five-game homestand with a 1-4 record as their overall record dropped to 15-11.

The following are three takeaways from a misera

See Full Page