Melo, Non-Call Help Knicks Get Past Raptors

One bad non-call from the referees played a big role in the Toronto Raptors’ first home loss of the season. The visiting New York Knicks edged the Raptors, 111-109 Tuesday night thanks to a missed call from referee Tony Brown.

With 22.8 seconds left in the game and a 106-105 lead from the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony’s right foot stepped out of bounds but a call was never made by referee Tony Brothers, who was right in front of the play. A call would have given the Raptors the ball and possession to try to wrest the lead from the Knicks.

Instead, Anthony was allowed to pass the ball to teammate Lance Thomas, who was fouled and hit both free throws to give the Knicks a 108-105 advantage with 17 seconds to go in the game.

The Raptors still had a chance to tie the game but DeMar DeRozan missed with five seconds to go and the Knicks iced the game from the line to send Toronto to their third straight loss.

The Knicks improved to a 4-4 record for the season and were led by Anthony’s 25 points and 3 steals. Center Robin Lopez had 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocked shots and off the bench, Thomas and Langston Galloway added 17 and 15 points, respectively.

The Raptors suffered their third loss after starting the season at 5-0. The sorry loss wasted DeRozan’s 29-point effort. Kyle Lowry had 23 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists and off the bench, Corey Joseph added 12 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists.

The Raptors will have a good chance to return to the win column in their next game as they visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Knicks will aim for their third straight win when they take on the Charlotte Hornets in their next game.