Hornets Soar Past raptors in Post-All-Star Return
The Charlotte Hornets emerged revitalized from the All-Star break,dismantling the Toronto Raptors 125-93 on Friday night. Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre led the charge for Charlotte, each pouring in 23 points. Montrezl Harrell added 20 points to the Hornets’ dominant offensive display.
Charlotte seized control from the opening tip, establishing a commanding 14-2 lead and never relinquishing it. The Raptors, seemingly sluggish after the break, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting a dismal 1-for-10 from beyond the arc in the first quarter.
by halftime, the Hornets had extended their advantage to 70-47, fueled by P.J.Washington’s contributions, including two three-pointers and a thunderous dunk.
The third quarter proved to be the Raptors’ undoing. Charlotte unleashed a devastating 19-0 run, ballooning their lead to a staggering 41 points. the Hornets’ relentless energy and suffocating defense left Toronto reeling.
this decisive victory snapped Charlotte’s seven-game home losing streak, showcasing a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The Hornets dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Raptors 52-36, highlighting their physicality and hunger for the win.
Scottie Barnes provided a bright spot for Toronto, leading the team with 28 points. However, his individual performance couldn’t compensate for the Raptors’ overall struggles.
Looking ahead, the Raptors will aim to bounce back quickly as they face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Hornets will hope to carry this momentum into their next matchup.
Hornets Buzz Past Raptors: A Post-All Star Awakening?
welcome back, basketball fans! Tonight, we’re breaking down the Hornets’ impressive victory over the Raptors, a game that saw Charlotte explode out of the gate and never look back. Joining me today is former NBA point guard and current analyst, Jason Kidd, too dissect this surprising upset.
jason, the hornets absolutely dominated this game – 125-93 is a statement win. What were your initial thoughts watching this matchup unfold?
Jason Kidd: Well, you can never underestimate the power of the All-Star break. sometimes teams come out energized, ready to prove something. It looks like the Hornets certainly took that to heart. While the Raptors looked a bit sluggish, give credit to charlotte’s intensity and execution. They came to play.
Absolutely. Rozier and Oubre both had 23 points, Harrell chipped in another 20, and Washington had a highlight reel night with those threes and that dunk! Do you see this as a sign of things to come for Charlotte?
Jason Kidd: It’s hard to say definitively after one game. We need to see more consistency from the Hornets. However, their offensive firepower was undeniable tonight. If they can maintain this energy and execute their game plan, they could definitely be a team to watch in the latter half of the season.
On the flip side, the Raptors looked out of sorts. The shooting was off, they couldn’t contain the Hornets’ offense, and they were dominated on the boards. What do you think went wrong for them?
Jason Kidd: It seemed like the Raptors lacked the same spark they had before the break. Their defense wasn’t sharp, they struggled to hit shots, and Charlotte just out-hustled them all game. This is a setback, but remember, good teams bounce back. I expect to see the Raptors come out fighting against Atlanta.
Speaking of Atlanta, they’ll be looking to test the Hornets after this dominant performance. Can Charlotte sustain this momentum, or was this a one-night wonder?
Jason Kidd: I think it’s a lot to ask for a team like Charlotte to simply flip a switch and become consistent contenders overnight.
But, this win could be a springboard. The confidence gained from such a definitive victory could be exactly what the Hornets need to start believing in themselves. It’ll be interesting to see how they respond to the challenge.
What are your thoughts on Scottie Barnes’ performance? He was the radiant spot for the raptors, but it wasn’t enough.
Jason Kidd: Barnes is a young talent with immense potential. He attacked the basket aggressively and showed glimpses of why he’s a key piece for the Raptors’ future. However, he needs more support. This team will only go as far as their primary scorers carry them.
Jason, thanks for sharing your insights on this intriguing matchup.
now, I wont to hear from you! what are your thoughts on the hornets’ impressive performance? Was this a fluke, or is there something bigger brewing in Charlotte? Let us know in the comments below!
