"The Toronto Raptors' lucky number turned out to be nine, as their scorching win streak came to an end with an 118-111 overtime loss to the Charlotte Hornets on November 29. On paper, it was easy to assume that Toronto had a strong chance to extend their winning streak into double digits. The pre-game betting lines reflected this, with the Raptors listed as -375 favorites and the Hornets at +300 underdogs."
"I wouldn't have exactly counted on it, though, because if the Raptors' last contest against Charlotte (on November 17) proved anything, it's that this otherwise lowly perceived Hornets squad has a lot of fight in them. Toronto barely squeezed by in that affair (as BI called it, mirroring playoff basketball), winning by a two-point margin after some huge plays down the stretch by their key trio - RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, and Brandon Ingram."
"Toronto was looking hot early on, securing their highest lead over Charlotte in the first quarter at 17 points, until the momentum quickly swung in favor of the Hornets as the game entered its critical stages. While Charlotte cornerstones LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller struggled on this night, the Hornets benefited from incredible contributions by fierce rookie Kon Knueppel and veteran forward Miles Bridges."
The Toronto Raptors' nine-game winning streak ended with an 118-111 overtime loss to the Charlotte Hornets on November 29. Pre-game betting lines favored Toronto heavily despite RJ Barrett being sidelined. The Hornets had previously pushed Toronto to the limit on November 17, and Barrett's absence was felt again. Toronto led by 17 in the first quarter before momentum shifted to Charlotte late. LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller struggled, while rookie Kon Knueppel and veteran Miles Bridges delivered major contributions. Knueppel scored 20 points (4-for-7 from three) and Bridges exploded for 35 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter and overtime.
Read at Raptors Rapture
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]