CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Toronto Raptors edged past the Charlotte Hornets 123-117 on Wednesday night, despite a career-high 45 points from Miles Bridges. The victory marked the end of Toronto’s six-game road trip, which they closed with a 2-4 record, and handed Charlotte its ninth consecutive defeat.
RJ Barrett led the scoring for the Raptors with 23 points, while Scottie Barnes, who was announced as an All-Star game alternate before the match, added 18 points to the tally. Immanuel Quickley also scored 18, contributing significantly to Toronto’s win. Jakob Poeltl’s pivotal plays in the final moments, including a crucial block and a tip-in, secured the victory for the Raptors, who improved to 18-33 for the season.
Miles Bridges’ exceptional performance saw him topping his previous career-high of 41 points, set just two days prior against the Los Angeles Lakers, by shooting 17 of 27 from the field and 6 of 10 from three-point range. Despite his efforts and becoming the fourth Charlotte player to record back-to-back 40-point games, the Hornets could not avoid another loss, dropping to a 13-39 record.
With the NBA trade deadline looming, speculation about Bridges’ future with the Hornets continues to grow. However, Bridges expressed his desire to stay with the team that drafted him and supported him through challenging times.
The game saw the Raptors overcoming an early deficit, with Charlotte leading 36-29 after the first quarter thanks to Bridges’ 15 points. The Hornets maintained their lead into the final quarter, but Toronto’s comeback, highlighted by Barrett’s three-pointer and Quickley’s layup, shifted the momentum in their favor.
Toronto’s efficiency from beyond the arc was notable, making 17 of 33 three-point attempts, contributing to their comeback and eventual win. The Raptors’ next game is at home against the Rockets, while the Hornets will look to snap their losing streak when they visit the Bucks.
