The Toronto Raptors' remarkable nine-game winning streak came to a dramatic end Saturday night as the Charlotte Hornets staged an impressive comeback to secure a 118-111 overtime victory at Spectrum Center.
Streak Snapped in Overtime Thriller
Entering the contest as one of the NBA's hottest teams, having won 13 of their last 14 games, the Raptors appeared poised to extend their dominance. However, the Hornets, despite owning just six wins in 20 games, presented matchup problems that ultimately proved decisive in the extra period.
Charlotte didn't claim its first lead until overtime, overcoming a significant deficit that saw Toronto lead by as many as 17 points during the first quarter. The Raptors struggled with too many turnovers, limited bench production, and a prolonged cold stretch during the critical fourth quarter.
Key Performances and Missed Opportunities
Scottie Barnes delivered another outstanding performance, finishing with 30 points and 12 rebounds while maintaining efficiency on both ends of the floor. His work in the post created significant challenges for Charlotte's defense throughout the contest.
Brandon Ingram experienced a night of extremes in his homecoming game near his North Carolina roots. After scoring 10 points in the first eight minutes and finishing with 22 points, he became a non-factor in the final quarter and overtime. Ingram missed a potential game-winning jumper at the regulation buzzer and failed to provide defensive resistance on rookie Kon Knueppel's game-tying three-pointer with 10.1 seconds remaining.
Bench Contributions and Looking Ahead
Gradey Dick showed encouraging signs despite an otherwise underwhelming season, demonstrating improved offensive freedom and finishing with five points. However, Toronto's bench was collectively outplayed by Charlotte's second unit, contributing to the eventual outcome.
With RJ Barrett sidelined by knee issues, internal competition for minutes has intensified among Dick, Ja'Kobe Walter, and Collin Murray-Boyles. The Raptors now turn their attention to Sunday's 6 p.m. matchup against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, where New York boasts an impressive 9-1 home record.
The upcoming contest carries added significance as it previews the NBA Cup quarterfinal matchup scheduled for December 9 in Toronto, with a trip to Las Vegas at stake for the winner.
