Knicks reserves demolished by Raptors as starters don’t play in ugly 50-point preseason loss
The New York Knicks suffered a 50-point preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors while resting their primary starters. Coach Mike Brown emphasized that the focus remains on player development and process rather than the final score.
Why it matters
It illustrates the common practice of managing player workloads during the NBA preseason and the resulting impact on game outcomes.
TORONTO — No, the preseason results don't actually matter. Knicks coach Mike Brown instead harps on the process.
Whatever this process was, though, it was ugly.
With Knicks starters — as well as veteran bench pieces Landry Shamet, Andre Drummond and Jordan Clarkson — sitting out the team's preseason game (since it was the second leg of a back-to-back) against the Raptors on Tuesday night at Scotiabank Arena, it was a chance for those battling for bigger roles and roster spots to help their cases.
Brown went with Jose Alvarado, Miles McBride , Mohamed Diawara, Bruce Brown and James Wiseman as his starters.
Adam Graves looks to put up a shot as James Wiseman (35) and Mohamed Diawara (51) defend during the Knicks' 148-98 preseason blowout loss to the Raptors on Oct. 13, 2026 in Toronto. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
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