Charlotte Hornets: The Good and the Bad from the second straight loss to the Raptors

The Charlotte Hornets keep it close but lose to their second straight game to the Toronto Raptors.

Welcome back to Buckets and Bricks where we take a close look at the good and the bad of the Charlotte Hornets‘ (6-8) 116-113 loss to the Toronto Raptors (4-8).

The good from the Hornets’ loss to the Raptors.

Thankfully for the Charlotte Hornets, Gordon Hayward returned after sitting out Thursday’s game against the Raptors. Gordon carried the Hornets in the first quarter scoring 22 points. It was a good sign to see Hayward actively creating shots for himself, getting to the free throw line, and facilitating for others.

With the return of Hayward to the lineup following a one-game absence due to a left hip strain, many assumed that Malik Monk would return to the end of the bench. To the delight of Hornets’ fans, Monk checked into the game in the second quarter. More on this below.

PJ Washington tied a career-high with 12 rebounds and posted his third straight double-double. Washington is the first Hornets’ player with three straight double-doubles since Devonte’ Graham accomplished it in February 2010.

Graham had a solid all-around game. He finished with 20 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds while shooting the ball well, connecting on 46.6% (7/15) of his field goal attempts, including 44.4% (4/9) from three. Let’s hope this upward trajectory continues and Graham shoots his way out of the slump that began his season. The Hornets badly need offense from him.

The Hornets scored 40 points in the paint against the Raptors on Saturday night. As they did during Thursday night’s game, the Hornets continue to attack the inside for scoring opportunities which opened up a high percentage of outside opportunities. The Hornets must continue to attack the paint to get their offense going.

The bad from the Hornets’ loss to the Raptors.

While Monk was able to get some playing time, which one would assume usually is reserved for Cody Martin, he only played four minutes in the first half. Monk did not play at all in the second half, finishing with 2 points by way of free throw attempts.

Bismack Biyombo has rebounded the ball well the last few games, he finished with 11 rebounds (7 defensive rebounds, 4 offensive rebounds) against the Raptors. However, Biyombo played 34 minutes and only tallying 6 points. The Hornets are not that good of a team to sacrifice scoring at any position for 30+ minutes a game. We know Biz is never going to be a scorer, but the Hornets need to seriously consider making a move to bring another player in that can score from the center position; getting by until Cody Zeller returns is not working.

After Thursday’s game against the Raptors, I wrote that the Hornets allowed a season high 20 three-point attempts made by an opposing team. The Hornets did no better on Saturday. They allowed the Raptors to connect on 21 three-point attempts, now the new season-high for threes allowed. The Hornets were one three-point field goal made by the Raptors away from tying a franchise record. The Hornets need to make adjustments to their team defensive scheme. The Raptors are the latest team to continuously drive Hornets’ defenders to the paint to create open jump shots.

Lastly, Terry Rozier was fouled on the last play. Bad no-call. No excuses though!

Star of the Game – Terry Rozier 

Terry Rozier had a slow start to the game but turned it around to have an effective first half finishing with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Rozier continued his good play in the second half, finishing as the team’s second-leading scorer, hitting half of his three-point attempts and grabbing nine boards from the guard position.

Final Stats: 24 PTS, 9 REB, 6/12 (50%) 3PT

That’s it for this edition of Buckets and Bricks. Let us know your feedback in the comments section, or on Twitter @SwarmnSting or @ShaolinShoGunMA

GO HORNETS!