The Raptors (39-39) gone into Sunday connected with the Atlanta Hawks for 8th location in the Eastern Conference and aiming to go up in the standings to secure a much better opportunity of advancing out of the play-in competition. The group completing 8th requirements simply one success; the group completing ninth would require 2 to reach the postseason as the No. 8 seed.
The Raptors controlled from the start.
VanVleet made his effect felt early, scoring 11 points and helping on 6 other baskets in the very first quarter as Toronto constructed a 35-25 lead.
The Hornets (26-53) had 9 turnovers in the very first half causing 18 Raptors points, the emphasize coming when Scottie Barnes developed a take and supplied an alley-oop lob to a cutting Precious Achiuwa for a fast-break dunk.
Charlotte cut Toronto’s 18-point result in 10 midway through the 4th after JT Thor tore down a corner 3 however Siakam assisted the Raptors press the lead securely back to 16 with 8 points down the stretch.
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Raptors: Turned 18 Charlotte turnovers into 28 points. … Bench was outscored 40-21.
Hornets: Were missing out on a variety of crucial gamers consisting of all 3 point player in LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Dennis Smith Jr., in addition to Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington and Cody Martin. … Bouknight now has 11 3-pointers in the last 2 video games.
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Steve Reed, The Associated Press