Kemba’s Clutch Play Leads the Charlotte Hornets Past the Raptors, 110-106

Kemba Walker and the rest of the Charlotte Hornets came up big in the fourth quarter as they outlasted the Raptors in Toronto.

The Charlotte Hornets (34-41) were able to defeat the Toronto Raptors (45-30) as they snapped Toronto’s six-game win streak. Kardiac Kemba was in full effect as he led Charlotte down the stretch. DeMar DeRozan was a one-man wrecking crew but his 28 points weren’t enough to get the victory.

Charlotte was without Ramon Sessions (healthy scratch) and Johnny O’Bryant in this one but Miles Plumlee did make his return to the rotation. In his first minutes since mid-February. After receiving seven stitches to his nose/forehead area last game, Marco Belinelli played with a band-aid over his cut.

Game Story and Turning Point

This game was relatively close throughout as neither side led by more than 11 points There were five ties and five lead changes. Charlotte controlled the majority of the first half while Toronto looked in the driver’s seat after a strong third quarter. The Raptors held a 74-66 lead heading into the fourth.

More from Swarm and Sting

• Hornets: Where does Brandon Miller’s ceiling rank among other rookies?
• Charlotte Hornets grade out mostly average in position-by-position ranking
• Hornets News: P.J. Washington makes bold statement on Brandon Miller
• Grade the mock trade: Hornets snag Tyler Herro, flip Gordon Hayward
• Will the Charlotte Hornets be in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery?

It was neck and neck down the stretch but Kemba’s 11 points in the fourth and a killer step-back three with 37.5 seconds left was the defining moment as it gave the Hornets a one-point lead. Marvin’s three with 8.7 seconds to go was the dagger that sealed the win. Charlotte outscored Toronto 44-32 in the final period.

Who Stepped Up

Kemba Walker only shot 7-25 from the field but he was clutch in the fourth quarter. He finished with 19 points with 11 of those coming in the final period. Marco Belinelli led the Hornets in scoring with 21 points. Marvin Williams pulled down a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds in this one.

Nicolas Batum added 15 points while Frank Kaminsky scored 13 with the off of the bench. Cody Zeller failed to score even though he played 26 minutes. Miles Plumlee played well with the second unit as he scored five points in 14 minutes.

The Raptors were led by DeMar DeRozan who scored a game-high 28 points to go along with eight assists and six rebounds. Without Kyle Lowry, other players needed to step up and Cory Joseph filled in nicely at the starting point guard spot by putting up 18 points, seven boards and five assists. Serge Ibaka scored15 while Jonas Valanciunas grabbed a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

• Marvin recorded his 10th double-double of the season.
• Marco scored 20+ points for the fourth time this year.
• Charlotte’s bench outscored Toronto’s second unit 52-28.
• The Hornets shot (16-32) 50% from three.
• Charlotte improved to 23-10 when leading at the half.

With the win, the Hornets and Raptors ended their season series with each side winning two games. Despite their vastly different records, Charlotte actually had success against Toronto this season.

Next: Damien Wilkin is Still Getting Buckets at 37

In their next outing, the Charlotte Hornets will return home to host the Denver Nuggets. It will be the second and final matchup between these two teams and Steve Clifford’s side will look to get revenge for a loss away from home earlier in the year. Even with their playoff hopes dwindling, they will look to continue their fight and make it two wins in a row.