Raptors 148, Knicks 98: a 50-point loss, with New York's core held out

Toronto beat the Knicks 148-98 Tuesday at Scotiabank Arena. The 50-point margin is real. So is the missing context: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby were all inactive by coach's decision in the NBA's official box score. This was a preseason loss with a different New York lineup, not a regular-season meeting of the two full-strength teams.

Toronto made 17 of 44 three-point attempts. New York made seven of 41. The Knicks did not lack attempts from outside; they finished only three attempts behind Toronto and ten makes behind. Those additional Toronto threes account for 30 points of the final margin. The original graphic separates that difference from the rest of the scoring.

The shooting gap accounts for most of the margin

The remaining 20 points break into 14 from two-point field goals and six from free throws. Toronto made 34 twos to New York's 27, and 29 free throws to the Knicks' 23. Add those differences to the 30-point three-point gap and the arithmetic reaches 50. This is a way to account for the score, not a model proving which tactical choice caused the loss.

James Wiseman led New York with 18 points and 10 rebounds, making seven of eight shots. Mohamed Diawara scored 13, and Tyler Nickel added 11. Toronto's Kawhi Leonard scored 21 in 16 minutes and 40 seconds. Scottie Barnes and Collin Murray-Boyles had 19 apiece. New York committed 17 turnovers to Toronto's eight, while the Raptors finished with a 51-38 rebounding advantage.

Preseason context limits the verdict

Josh Hart was also inactive by coach's decision. Those absences do not make the turnovers or missed shots disappear. They do limit what Tuesday can establish about the Knicks' regular rotation. The useful questions concern the players who did get those minutes: who can protect the ball, finish possessions and make an open shot when called upon?

The NBA lists the return matchup at Madison Square Garden for Thursday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Confirmed availability will determine which comparison that game can support. Until then, keep Tuesday's two facts together: Toronto won by 50, and New York's principal starters did not play.