The Toronto Raptors, once again without DeMarre Carroll and Jonas Valanciunas, fell to the Charlotte Hornets after a controversial call at the end of regulation.
Even if the shot doesn’t count, the Raptors attempted to call a timeout and the play was not reviewed. The referee’s reasoning is that because time did not expire. Kyle Lowry appears to call a timeout as soon as possession is gained, however no referee made the call.
Which allowed about 3.2 seconds to run off the clock leaving Toronto with just 0.7 seconds for their final possession.
Lowry had an off night as he shot 6 for 29 from the field and an abysmal 3 for 17 from 3 point land. Bismack Biyombo in his return to Charlotte had a monstrous game on the glass pulling in a career high effort to go along with 7 blocks, Ultimately, the Raptors fell to Hornets in overtime 109-99.
Offence: C
The offence was not very efficient as the Raptors shot 36% from the field and 23% from 3-point range. Assists were up from the season average as the Raps contributed 18 helpers. As mentioned, Kyle Lowry was the most inefficient Raptor with uncharacteristic shooting percentages, however, he did round out with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and a steal. DeMar DeRozan led the effort with 31 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block and a steal.
Defence: C
The defence wasn’t very competent either as Hornets shot 44% from the field, 34% from the 3 and had a solid team effort, conjuring up 23 assists. The numbers tell a different story from the actual game as the Raps rallied in the fourth quarter but were unable to pull out the W due to a controversial call made by the refs.
Rebounding: B
Solid effort from the Raps in regards to rebounding. Biyombo tallied a career high 18 boards so he was definitely a big factor in the game. Toronto pulled down 46 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards so the effort on the glass was by no means a weak one.
Game Ball: Jeremy Lin
Although Bis was a stalwart on defence, the Raps did not get the W. In that case, the man who led Charlotte, Jeremy Lin, will receive the honours. Linsanity started in place for Nicolas Batum and lit the Raps up for 35 points, 5 boards, 4 assists and 2 blocks. Lin’s star shined brightest tonight and that, unfortunately, resulted in a loss for the Raps.
