Division-Leader Raptors Beat Knicks With Third Quarter Surge

By Associated Press | March 15, 2007

TORONTO — Chris Bosh scored 22 points, T.J. Ford matched a career high with 18 assists, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Knicks 104-94 last night to strengthen their hold on the Atlantic Division lead.

Jorge Garbajosa had a careerhigh 20 points, while fellow rookie Andrea Bargnani added 18 for Toronto (36-29). Ford also scored 18 points for the Raptors, including an 8-for-8 showing at the free throw line.

Stephon Marbury led the Knicks (29-35) with 31 points and nine assists, while Steve Francis scored 17 points and Eddy Curry added 13. Trailing 50-44 at the half, Toronto surged ahead in the third quarter thanks to 10 points from Garbajosa, who had scored just 22 points in his past five games.

Toronto shot 72% (13-for-18) in the period, outscoring New York 35-18 to take an 11-point edge into the final frame.

Toronto is 23-9 at home this season, the third-best home mark in the Eastern Conference. Only Cleveland and Chicago (both 25-8) are better.

Knicks forward Quentin Richardson returned to the starting lineup but played only 10 minutes before leaving for good with a sore back. Richardson sat out New York's last game, a 90-89 victory over Washington last Saturday, because of back and ankle problems.

Ford made a 3-pointer as the halftime buzzer sounded, but did not get it off in time.