The Raptors had numerous chances to tie it again, but Carter missed on a Jordanesque scoop shot in the lane after driving past Sprewell and Ewing. However, the ball went out of bounds off New York. On the ensuing inbounds play, Tracy McGrady, who led Toronto with 25 points, missed a jumper from the left corner. Doug Christie grabbed the rebound for the Raptors but missed a short shot from the right sideline and Childs slid to the floor for the rebound before calling timeout. Childs converted three free throws in the final 12.5 seconds to seal the win.
Great players have tough nights, too.
Sprewell hounded Carter most of the day, challenging his outside shot with the knowledge that one of New York's forwards would be prepared to switch on a drive into the lane. Carter settled for the outside shot throughout, despite having Sprewell in his face much of the time, and misfired most of the day. Sprewell and Houston, the driving forces in New York's run to the Finals last season, each scored 21 points. Johnson finished with 15 and Ewing had 15 points and nine rebounds. Kevin Willis had 13 points and 11 boards off the bench for Toronto.