The Toronto Raptors had an excellent fourth quarter to emerge from their torpor in a 123-117 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
After trailing the majority of the game, the Raptors took their first lead of the night midway through the fourth quarter following an 11-0 spurt.
They thus regained victory after three losses in a row, having lost eight of their previous nine games.
The Hornets continue to sink with a ninth consecutive loss and an eighth consecutive at home.
Absent Monday, RJ Barrett (knee) was back today. He provided 23 points. Scottie Barnes added 18, as did Immanuel Quickley.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic said his team’s last loss was unacceptable, a 138-100 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday. He was therefore able to feel some relief after this awakening in the last shift.
Miles Bridges’ performance was overshadowed in the defeat despite his 45 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds. Brandon Miller added 20 points, the only rookie to have two games with at least 30 points this season.
For the losing side, Gordon Hayward was not at his post in the end after being a doubtful case, due to a calf injury.
Butler takes care of Spurs
Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs lost the first game of a series of nine abroad on Wednesday in Miami (116-104), finalist last season.
The Spurs led before half-time but were overwhelmed in the last two quarters, for a 5th consecutive defeat which leaves them in last place in the West (10 wins – 41 losses).
Not always inspired in his offensive choices, Victor Wembanyama still compiled 18 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 blocked shot.
Miami relied on Tyler Herro (24 points) and its star Jimmy Butler, with a hat-trick (17 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists), who was able to accelerate at the end of the game, notably offering a spectacular alley-oop to the pivot Bam Adebayo (20 points) in transition during the fourth quarter. The Heat remain seventh in the East (28 wins – 24 losses).
Like every year due to the giant rodeo which occupies their amphitheater, the Spurs have a series of away matches in February. Thursday, they stay in Florida to challenge the Magic in Orlando.
Elsewhere in the NBA
Cavaliers 114 – Wizards 106
CLE : performance of 40 points, eight rebounds and five assists for Donovan Mitchell
WAS : Kyle Kuzma was the best of his team with 28 points.
Warriors 127 – 76ers 104
GS : difficult match for Stephen Curry despite the victory with only nine points.
PHI : deprived of Joel Embiid, the Sixers lose for the seventh time in their last eight games.
Hawks 117 – Celtics 125
ATL : doubled with 20 points and 10 assists for Trae Young.
BOS : Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with 31 points.
Pelicans – Clippers
NO:
LAC :
Pistons – Kings
THAT:
SAC :
2024-02-08 03:31:38
#NBA #late #Raptors #poor #Hornets
