Raptors Beat Hornets 108-97 for Third Straight Win

Post by: Bandan Preet

Photo: AP

The Toronto Raptors earned their third consecutive win by defeating the struggling Charlotte Hornets 108-97 on Friday night.

Poeltl Leads the Way
Jakob Poeltl was the top performer for the Raptors, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for a double-double. Scottie Barnes also played well, adding 18 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Immanuel Quickley contributed 19 points and dished out nine assists, helping Toronto control the game.

Hornets’ Top Scorers
For Charlotte, Mark Williams led the team with 18 points and 12 rebounds, also securing a double-double. Daquan Jeffries scored 15 points, while KJ Simpson added 14 points.

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How the Game Unfolded
Toronto got off to a strong start, finishing the first quarter with a 32-19 lead. However, Charlotte fought back in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to just two points at halftime (47-45).

In the third quarter, the Raptors took over. They went on a 15-0 scoring run, turning a three-point deficit into a 12-point lead. By the end of the quarter, Toronto was ahead by 11 points and remained in control for the rest of the game. The Hornets were unable to make a comeback in the final quarter.

Boucher Returns but Doesn’t Play
Chris Boucher was available for the Raptors after missing three games due to illness. However, he did not play. The last time the Montreal native took the court was on February 26, when he was held scoreless against the Indiana Pacers.

Toronto’s Winning Streak
The Raptors' recent winning streak has come against weaker teams. Before beating Charlotte, they defeated the Brooklyn Nets (23-50) and the Washington Wizards (16-57). Toronto, currently ranked 11th in the Eastern Conference, will face the Philadelphia 76ers (23-50) on Sunday, aiming to complete a sweep of lower-ranked teams.

Hornets Without LaMelo Ball
The Hornets announced on Friday that star guard LaMelo Ball will miss the rest of the season due to a right ankle impingement. He will also undergo a wrist procedure. Ball, who has been plagued by injuries, played 47 games this season, averaging a career-high 25.2 points per game. Despite being the second overall pick in the 2020 draft and winning Rookie of the Year, he has yet to make a playoff appearance.

Key Moment
The turning point came in the third quarter when Toronto went on a 15-0 run. This stretch turned their three-point deficit into a 12-point lead, and they never looked back.

Key Stat
Poeltl’s double-double was his 22nd of the season in 55 games.

What’s Next?

• Raptors: They will visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.

• Hornets: They will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.

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