The Toronto Raptors rode impressive showings from RJ Barrett and Gradey Dick but it wasn't enough in Wednesday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets
Nobody wanted to be doing this so early in the season. The hope had been Toronto could see Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett grow together this year as this young core developed for the future. But now with Barnes sidelined for the foreseeable future with an orbital bone fracture, the writing is on the wall.
He found Jakob Poeltl for an alley-oop out of a pick-and-roll in the first quarter and found Jonathan Mogbo cutting with a savvy dump-off pass for two in the second. It was part of an eight-assist effort from Barrett, one shy of his career high. Five missed free throws from Barrett and 10 misses at the charity stripe for the Raptors burned Toronto who couldn't quite make up the difference with Charlotte converting its free throws down the stretch.Raptors coach Darko Rajaković went out of his way earlier this week to mention Gradey Dick's shot selection. It hadn't been horrendous, but there have been times early this season in which Dick has been a little too aggressive against tough defenses.
He cashed in a mid-range jumper midway through the fourth quarter to set a new career high for his 26th point of the night, finishing the game with 30 points on 11-for-17 shooting.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Three takeaways from the Hornets' first game of the seasonTaking a look at the main takeaways from the Hornets win over Houston in opening game.
Read more »
Heat vs. Hornets Takeaways: Jimmy Butler Recovers From Sour Start To SeasonA look at four of the biggest takeaways from Saturday's matchup between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets.
Read more »
Raptors Likely Without Multiple Key Starters vs Hornets, Team SaysThe Toronto Raptors will likely be without Scottie Barnes & Immanuel Quickley on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets
Read more »
Hornets seek victory over Toronto Raptors to avoid 3-game slumpThe Charlotte Hornets aim to break their two game losing streak as they host the Toronto Raptors at the Spectrum Center.
Read more »
Raptors Hit the Road vs. Hornets: Where to Watch, What to Watch For, & MoreThe Toronto Raptors will be shorthanded Wednesday night when they hit the road to take on the Charlotte Hornets: Where to watch, what to watch for, and more
Read more »
Spread and over/under predictions for Hornets vs. RaptorsPredictions for tonight's game as Toronto visits Charlotte.
Read more »