The Toronto Raptors began this game with aplomb, and finished it with their tail between their legs. Only an off-night by the visiting Charlotte Hornets allowed Toronto to escape a humiliating defeat. While the Raptors defense was sound most of the game, their shot-making disappeared in the second half and almost led to disaster.
First Half
The only element of the Raptors offense which wasn’t clicking was the long ball. Toronto missed its first 8 attempts from beyond the arc before DeMar DeRozan and then Cory Joseph (as the clock buzzed) drained shots. Charlotte, by contrast, had very little working except deep shooting.