Charlotte Hornets lose to the Toronto Raptors away from home, 103-98

After a five-game win streak, the Charlotte Hornets have now lost three consecutive games away from home.

The Charlotte Hornets (28-36) were defeated by the Toronto Raptors (45-17) as they dropped their third straight game. Kemba Walker‘s 27 points weren’t enough to take down the top team in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte’s lackluster three-point shooting didn’t help their cause in a must-win road game.

Cody Zeller returned to the rotation after missing the last two games with left knee soreness. He logged 24 minutes in this one. Dwayne Bacon was inactive because of an illness. Michael Carter-Williams picked up a shoulder injury in the first half but returned to the game in the third quarter.

Game Story

After the Hornets took a two-point lead to start the game, the Raptors gained control and never looked back. Toronto held Charlotte to only five three’s made and 23.8% from beyond the arc. This game featured two ties and one lead change. It’s worth noting that Dwight Howard didn’t play a single minute during the fourth quarter.

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Player of the Game

Kemba finished with a game-high 27 points to go along with six rebounds and four assists. Although the all-star point guard led Charlotte in scoring, he wasn’t very efficient shooting only 34.8% from the field and 25% from three. Walker finished with a -8 in +/- but did only commit one turnover.

Jeremy Lamb (16 points) and Frank Kaminsky (15 points) led the Hornets’ second unit as they combined for 31 points off of the bench. Dwight Howard had 10 points and 10 boards while Nicolas Batum put up 10 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Marvin Williams was held to only two points on 1-6 shooting in 21 minutes of action.

The Raptors were led by DeMar DeRozan who ended with 19 points and eight rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 18 points and 13 rebounds while Kyle Lowry also added a double-double with 14 points and 10 boards. Serge Ibaka (17), C.J. Miles (12) and Fred VanVleet (12) rounded out Toronto’s double-digit scorers.

Highlight of the Night:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

• Dwight recorded his 39th double-double of the season.
• Howard grabbed 10+ rebounds for the 45th time this year.
• Batum has 7+ assists in eight straight games.
• Charlotte’s bench outscored Toronto’s second unit 41-35.
• Two technical fouls were called on the Hornets in this one.

With the loss, Charlotte fall to 0-4 and are swept by Toronto in their season series. The Hornets have now lost five of their last six regular-season games versus the Raptors.

Next: Charlotte's coaching problem

In their next outing, the Hornets will return home to take on Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, March 6th. It will be their second meeting of the season and their first in Charlotte. Steve Clifford’s side will look to snap their three-game losing streak and pick up a much-needed win to get back into the playoff race.