Raptors Claw Back to Edge Hornets in a Buzzing Encounter

In a closely contested match, the Toronto Raptors improved their season record to 18-33 after securing a hard-fought victory over the Charlotte Hornets with a final score of 123-117. The Hornets, despite an aggressive showing, fell further behind with their record now standing at 10-40.

The Raptors' performance was marked by consistent scoring across all four quarters, posting 27 points in both the first and second periods before ramping up their offense with 37 and 32 points in the third and fourth quarters respectively. The team's offensive efficiency was on full display as they achieved an impressive field goal percentage of fifty-three and were particularly lethal from beyond the arc, converting fifty-two percent of their three-point attempts into seventeen successful shots.

Toronto's defense also contributed significantly to the win by making five steals and blocking three shots. Despite being outscored in paint points by Charlotte (50-40), Toronto capitalized on turnovers, scoring sixteen points off them. Their bench provided valuable support adding thirty-eight points to the team's total score.

A pivotal moment came when Toronto went on an eleven-point run that shifted momentum in their favor. This surge allowed them to take control of the game despite Charlotte having led for over forty-two minutes with a biggest lead of fifteen points at one stage.

The Hornets showed resilience throughout, matching Toronto's intensity for much of the game. They managed six steals and two blocks defensively but were less efficient offensively with a forty-nine percent field goal rate and only forty-one percent from three-point range. Their bench contributed twenty-five points but it wasn't enough to overcome Toronto's balanced attack.

Charlotte’s standout statistic was its fast break performance where they scored eleven fast break points at an eighty-three percent success rate compared to Toronto’s ten fast break points at fifty percent efficiency.

Looking ahead for fans of The Raptors, attention now turns back home as they prepare to host the Houston Rockets at Scotiabank Arena on February 9th at 6:30 PM local time. This upcoming contest will be available for viewing internationally via SportsNet or through channel 674 on Space City Home Network for away audience members seeking coverage from afar.