The Raptors faced yet another sluggish start, prompting coach Darko Rajakovic to express frustration as the Charlotte Hornets scored an uncontested dunk in the opening quarter. This recurring issue has become unacceptable for Toronto.
In a game that ended in a 114-99 victory for Toronto, their approach was described as “cavalier,” especially considering that four-fifths of Charlotte’s starters were absent. This victory followed a previous defeat on Dec. 8, where the Hornets, led by Gordon Hayward and Miles Bridges, outscored the Raptors from three-point distance.
Hayward was sidelined due to a stomach virus, while Bridges couldn’t enter Canada due to legal issues. Mark Williams and LaMelo Ball were also unavailable, the former dealing with a back issue, and the latter nursing a sore ankle.
Despite Terry Rozier being available, playing through a sore left thumb, the Hornets were coming off a significant loss to Philadelphia. The absence of key players raises questions about the Raptors’ performance and hints at the need for a strategic shakeup.