Towns in really good Knick for New York in NBA return

Karl-Anthony Towns returned from a one-game absence with 24 points and 15 rebounds as the New York Knicks held on to beat the Toronto Raptors 113-108 for their fifth win in six NBA games.

Towns broke a tie by scoring a lay-up with 36 seconds left in the game on Monday (Tuesday AEDT), then sealed the win by making a three-pointer on New York’s next possession.

He had made only one of his first four attempts from long range before making the decisive three-pointer with six seconds remaining.

Mikal Bridges scored 23 points and Jalen Brunson had 20 points and 11 assists as the Knicks won their fifth straight meeting with the Raptors.

OG Anunoby added 14 points against his former team and Josh Hart had 10.

Raptors forward Scottie Barnes left midway through the third quarter because of a sprained right ankle.

He was helped off the court by teammates before hopping to the locker room, unable to put weight on his right foot.

Barnes was injured when he landed on Towns while battling for a defensive rebound with 6:47 left in the third quarter.

He had scored 15 points in 23 minutes before exiting.

Barnes missed 11 games earlier this season because of a right orbital fracture and has worn protective glasses since returning on November 21.

Toronto went 2-9 without the 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year.

RJ Barrett scored 30 points for Toronto, and Jakob Poeltl had 10 points and 12 rebounds.