Raptors 96, Knicks 79
RAPTORS 96, KNICKS 79: DeMar DeRozan scored 14 of his game-high 30 points in the third quarter as host Toronto halted New York's five-game winning streak.
DeRozan tallied eight early points in the decisive quarter, and he added back-to-back jumpers later in the frame as Toronto (16-32) overcame a sluggish first half to avenge a one-sided loss to the Knicks (23-25) earlier in the week.
Andrea Bargnani added 21 points for the Raptors, his best showing in nine games since returning from a serious calf injury. The former No. 1 overall pick added seven boards for Toronto, which outrebounded New York 46-39.
Amar'e Stoudemire led the way with 17 points for the Knicks, who fell for the first time under interim head coach Mike Woodson.
The teams combined to make just 31 of their 90 shots in an ugly opening half that saw the Raptors seize a 39-36 advantage. Toronto hit eight of 10 shots during one stretch in the third, and a DeRozan layup to end the quarter gave the Raptors a 70-53 advantage entering the fourth.
New York closed to within 12 early in the final quarter but couldn't get closer.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Raptors waived veteran forward Rasual Butler prior to the game. Butler averaged 3.2 points in just over 13 minutes while appearing in 34 games with Toronto. ... Raptors PG Jose Calderon missed all 10 of his field-goal attempts and is 3 for 20 over his last two games. ... The teams combined to make just six of 41 attempts from 3-point range.