The Charlotte Hornets took advantage in beating the Toronto Raptors (104 – 114). With 3 starters still being out due to COVID protocol, Toronto is 9th in the East and Charlotte now 6th. The Charlotte Hornets hit the first quarter running with more energy. Not only did they play with so much enthusiasm but made sure they moved the ball. With the team being so unselfish it allowed their entire team to help create open shots.
STAR OF THE GAME
LaMelo Ball was an all around floor general, seeing the court making passes and knocking down shots. He’s a well deserving candidate for Rookie of the Year averaging 15-6-6 his first season. Ball leads the Hornets to an at home win which puts them at number 6 in the Eastern Conference. LaMelo had a tremendous game scoring 23 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists against the Toronto Raptors. Just one rebound away from a double double. Seeing the guard being effective on the boards is yet another addition for the Charlotte Hornets this season.
Biggest Concern
The Toronto Raptors have been down three of their top leading scores. Currently they are on a two game losing streak since the All-Star break. The Raptors have to be disciplined defensively in order to stay close in this game; especially being down players. Throughout the game Kyle Lowry played with high intensity with 19-6-8 scoring as well as facilitating the ball. His teammates didn’t seem to be doing the same, which led to him becoming frustrated with being down 25 points at the end of the third. The Raptors struggled to match up with Charlotte moving the ball in transition.
Surprise Contributor
Coming off the bench Devonte’ Graham averages 13.5 points , 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Against the Toronto Raptors he shot 4-6 from the field at a 62% field goal percentage. The Charlotte Hornets made 11 threes in the first quarter, which tied a season high. As for Graham he’s proven that he can play the game at a high level and stepping up his role in the backcourt making the difference in game winning situations. After returning from missing seven games due to a left knee patellar discomfort the guard is looking ready to compete in the playoffs this season.
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Next Game
Vs. Sacramento Kings, March 15th at 4:00 PM Pacific
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