Opinion
3 min read

Clash of the Titans: Hornets Buzz Into Raptors' Nest at Scotiabank Arena

As the Toronto Raptors prepare to host the Charlotte Hornets at Scotiabank Arena, fans are looking forward to what promises to be an electrifying encounter. The Raptors, coming off a nail-biting game against the Indiana Pacers on February 15, where they scored an impressive 125 points but narrowly lost by 2 points, will be eager to bounce back and secure a win in front of their home crowd.


CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 7:  Bryce McGowans #7 of the Charlotte Hornets dunks the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 7, 2024 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  Mandatory Copyright Notice:  Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

The previous matchup showcased Toronto's ability to maintain a lead for most of the game with a time leading of over 37 minutes and achieving their biggest lead of 11 points. Despite this, it was not enough as they were outscored in the final quarter. This has been a recurring theme for TOR this season; their inability to close out games has cost them dearly.


However, there is reason for optimism as we look ahead. The Raptors demonstrated remarkable offensive prowess in that game against Indiana Pacers with an effective field goal percentage (EFG%) of 54 percent and converting on fast-break opportunities with a success rate of 62 percent which resulted in them racking up 40 fast-break points. Their dominance in the paint was also evident as they scored an astounding 84 points inside.


CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 07: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors attempts a jump shot during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

On defense though, there's room for improvement. The defensive rating from that game stood at approximately 120 points per hundred possessions – indicating that tightening up defensively could be key against Charlotte.


The Hornets will come into this game with confidence but also caution; aware that despite Toronto's struggles this season, they are still capable of putting up big numbers offensively as seen when they faced San Antonio Spurs on February 13 and Cleveland Cavaliers on February 11.


CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 7:  Cody Martin #11 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 7, 2024 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  Mandatory Copyright Notice:  Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)

Charlotte must keep tabs on Toronto’s aggressive playstyle which led them to draw fouls effectively and shoot free throws at a rate of about seventy-three percent against Indiana Pacers. Limiting turnovers will also be crucial since TOR managed to score ten points off turnovers during their last outing.


Looking ahead towards March third’s clash between these two teams at six o'clock PM Eastern Time – it is clear that if Toronto can harness their offensive energy while shoring up defensively late into games – they stand a good chance at overcoming any challenge posed by Charlotte Hornets.


Raptors fans should mark their calendars for what could potentially be one of those defining moments in their season - where every possession counts and every point matters even more so than usual. It's all happening live from Scotiabank Arena or you can catch all the action internationally via SportsNet or locally through BSSE channel six hundred forty-nine.

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