As an indicator of the rest of the night, the Raptors’ first quarters are instructive. If they come out with energy and are sharp in their execution, they can win many a game. Against the Hornets, entering Toronto having lost back-to-back games their best player in Kemba Walker, a strong start could be enough to get the job done.
That is, of course, if we were to discount Toronto’s third quarters. You see, despite an early lead after a relatively crisp first quarter, one that ballooned up to 19 points in the second quarter behind some superlative play from Kyle Lowry, we could not relax.