New York Knicks: Players Who Stepped Up Against The Toronto Raptors

Nov 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) defends during the third quarter in a game Knicks at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) defends during the third quarter in a game Knicks at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Knicks fell short of achieving victory, but saw a number of individuals step up during a 118-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors.


Nov 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) defends during the third quarter in a game Knicks at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball as Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) defends during the third quarter in a game Knicks at Air Canada Centre. The Toronto Raptors won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Friday, November 11 was one of the most forgettable days in recent New York Knicks history. Carmelo Anthony was ejected after accumulating two questionable technical fouls and the rest of the roster was exposed for its early lack of chemistry.

One day after losing 115-87 to the Boston Celtics, the Knicks showed signs of progress during a 118-107 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Regardless of the result, the Knicks needed to come back with a superior level of energy and passion. There was an undeniable absence of it a game prior, and one could even say the same about the victory over the Brooklyn Nets on November 9.

Behind the efforts of a select few players, the Knicks provided fans with an effort that was much easier to respect.

There were reasons to be upset; New York’s offense didn’t flow, its starters committed silly fouls, and the defense was forced to resort to a zone. There were a number of players who stepped up, however, and that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Matched up against the three-time defending division champions, the Knicks proved to have the upside of a contender in the Atlantic. These players helped establish that.