Toronto RaptorsOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
Toronto defeated Charlotte 97–96 on January 7 at Spectrum Center in a defensive struggle that fell well short of the 229.5-point Vegas total. RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 28 points, while Immanuel Quickley added 21 in a balanced offensive effort. Charlotte's Collin Sexton paced the Hornets with 22 points, supported by LaMelo Ball's 15, but the home team's 39 percent field-goal shooting and 18 turnovers proved costly. Toronto's fourth-quarter surge—31 points compared to Charlotte's 24—sealed the outcome, with the Raptors shooting 41.3 percent overall and forcing the Hornets into sloppy play. Charlotte's 50 rebounds nearly offset Toronto's 42, yet the Raptors' superior defensive rating of 102.5 to Charlotte's 107.3 and turnover discipline (5 turnovers versus 18) made the difference down the stretch. The Hornets' 14 three-pointers couldn't compensate for their inefficiency inside, while Toronto's six steals highlighted their perimeter intensity. This road win strengthens Toronto's playoff positioning as Charlotte must address its turnover problems.
