The Charlotte Hornets’ Must-Watch Games of the 2020 Season
By River Rhodes
Hornets Upset the Dominant Raptors at Home
Charlotte Hornets @ Toronto Raptors | February 28, 2020
170. 96. 81. Final. 99
One of the last games of the season, this win came against a team that had been playing at a very high level. Leading up to the game the Toronto Raptors had lost just two games of their last 20. The Raptors were sitting in the two spot of the Eastern Conference standings, with a comfortable lead.
They had climbed all the way to number 3 in NBA.com’s power rankings. It was no surprise when they tipped-off favored to win by 13.5 points. But the Hornets came out strong, working hard to amount a 73-66 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Raptors mounted a mini-comeback, with a Kyle Lowry three giving them a two-point lead with 1:14 remaining. The game went down to the wire. Miles Bridges answered back with another three, then Lowry tying it again by drawing a foul and splitting the free throws.
With just 2.1 seconds left the game was tied and the Hornets had the ball. It looked like the thrilling game could be extended into overtime.
But then Rondae Hollis-Jefferson committed a damning off-ball foul before Charlotte had the chance to inbound the ball. Terry Rozier went 1-of-2 at the line, doing just enough the seal the big win. Raptors were forced to intentionally foul Devonte’ Graham, who stayed calm and further extended the lead, draining both foul shots. The game ended, Hornets winning by three, 99-96.
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This might have been the Hornet’s best victory of the season, defeating a contending team in stride while away from home is no small task. The team showed its teeth in high-pressure situations down the stretch. Another contender is when the team held the offensive juggernaut of the Houston Rockets under 100 points a week later.
Honorable Mention: Terry Rozier scores 24 points, Hornets beat Rockets 108-99
The summary does not do this game justice. It was a huge underdog victory and a thriller till the end. The Hornets put up an extremely balanced effort, with all five starters scoring in the double digits. This might have been the best game all season for Hornets fans, definitely worth a watch, or even re-watch, on league pass.