Despite the absence of two strong links in their 5 major, Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors have no difficulty shining in attack in the first half. During the first eight minutes, Nick Nurse’s men converted six of their 7 attempts behind the arc and already led by 18 points (32-14). Conversely, the Hornets are in great difficulty in this exercise (3/12 on the quarter), in the continuity of their clumsiness displayed against Atlanta.
Not particularly intimidating in their own half, the Hornets failed to close the gap as the Raptors scored 37 points in the second quarter (after a first 39 points). The duo Gary Trent Jr – Pascal Siakam (34 points in total) wanders, while the Hornets limit the breakage thanks to the unexpected heat stroke of the rookie James Bouknight, author of 13 points in the second quarter. Thanks to a first half of 62% in shots and 19 assists, the Canadians were in the lead at the break (76-61).
The Hornets ensure a good start to the second half after returning from the locker room: they pass a 14-2 in 3 minutes to their opponents and pick up at -3 (78-75). The momentum about to swing in favor of Charlotte, Nick Nurse takes a time-out and the Raptors respond with a whopping 27-11 to conclude the quarter. Gary Trent Jr scored 14 points to widen the gap again (105-86).
The mass is said and the last quarter does not change anything. LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges iNFLate their personal stats while Pascal Siakam fails to rebound from a triple-double. The gap is reduced as in any “garbage time” and the twelve-point gap at the final buzzer (125-113) does not reflect the Raptors’ total domination of the game. Weak in defense, the Hornets lost after a one-sided game.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
Quick evictions. Separated by their teammates after a collision, Justin Champagnie and PJ Washington were expelled in the first quarter after only 3 minutes on the field. A very short evening for the two players.
The Raptors’ outdoor address. At 16/34 from behind the arc, including a 6/7 to start the game, the Raptors found their offensive rhythm with their outside address, and the Hornets were no match for that barrage. A very good sign knowing that Fred VanVleet was not even there.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Pascal Siakam, one rebound near the triple-double: 24 points (9/16), 9 rebounds and 12 assists. Positioned as a leader in the 5 major in the absence of Fred VanVleet, the Cameroonian made his “all-around” game speak, recalling why he had been elected All-Star in 2020.
✅ Gary Trent Jr : 10 points in the first quarter, 14 in the third, 32 in total (11/21) which makes him the best scorer of the game. The full-back caught fire several times and delivered a top-notch attacking performance.
✅ LaMelo Ball. Not very convincing in the first half, he set the record straight after the break, although the Hornets were out of action in the third quarter. He finished with 25 points (8/16) and 7 assists.
✅ james bouknight. The rookie was responsible off the bench (28 minutes) and did not disappoint: author of 18 points (6/11), including 13 in the second quarter alone, he was attractive with his aggressiveness towards the circle . The kind of performance that despite the defeat can ensure him a more consistent role in the second half of the season.
⛔️ The Hornets address breakdown. After a horrible 4/36 three-pointer against Atlanta, the Hornets had another difficult night behind the arc: they only converted 10 of their… 31 attempts.
THE FOLLOWING
Toronto (23-22): back-to-back in Chicago
Charlotte (26-22): “back-to-back” also with the Pacers
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