Raptors flop in season-worst loss vs. Hornets

The Toronto Raptors were just a step behind against the Charlotte Hornets.

Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram looks to make a play as Charlotte Hornets guard KJ Simpson defends. | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Raptors are frustrated after their worst loss of the season against the Charlotte Hornets, a 111-86 drubbing at home in front of their fans.

Many of those fans were going to the exits before the final whistle because the Raptors simply didn't have it against the Hornets. Their tough effort last night against the Los Angeles Lakers zapped a lot of their energy, preventing them from giving it 100 per cent against the Hornets.

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel and center Ryan Kalkbrenner and Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes. | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Raptors can't hang vs. Hornets

While the Raptors had a lead after the first quarter thanks to a slow Hornets start, they couldn't hold on to it in the second quarter. The Hornets outscored the Raptors 35-17 in the second quarter to take an 11-point lead into halftime.

While there was an effort in the third quarter to cut the deficit down to five, that was as close as the Raptors would get. The Hornets pulled away in the second half of the third quarter and never relinquished the lead after that.

In the fourth quarter, the Raptors continue to struggle offensively as the lead for the Hornets continues to grow. The Hornets led by as much as 29 points late in the fourth quarter, putting an exclamation point on their win.

The Hornets were led by rookie of the year candidate, Khanna Knuffle, who scored 21 points to lead Charlotte to victory. Tidjane Salaun, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, also had 21 points off the bench in arguably the best game of his young career.

Miles Bridges had 15 points while Brandon Miller and Ryan Kalkbrenner had 12 points apiece. LaMelo Ball was also on pace to have a strong game with 11 early points, but he left the contest in the first half with an ankle injury.

For the Raptors, Immanuel Quickley had the high score with 31 points to lead the game. Scottie Barnes had 13, and the rest of the team was ice cold from the field. Toronto's 86 points is a new season low. 8 points fewer than what they had over the weekend against the New York Knicks.

The Raptors will look to give it another go on Sunday when they face off against the Boston Celtics. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET inside Scotiabank Arena. Fans can watch the game on TSN Sports or stream it on NBA League Pass.