Hornets Make Statement Against Raptors with Salaun’s Career Night
After suffering two consecutive defeats, the Charlotte Hornets entered their matchup against the 15-8 Toronto Raptors in search of redemption. Both teams were looking to bounce back, with Toronto having lost three of its last four games. However, the Hornets faced an uphill battle, missing key players Tre Mann and Collin Sexton, which left them thin in the guard position.
Struggles in the First Quarter
Historically, the Hornets have excelled in first quarters this season, but recent performances have painted a different picture. In this contest, the Hornets struggled once again, managing fewer than 20 points in the opening quarter for the second consecutive game and just the second time this season. As they entered the second quarter, they found themselves trailing the Raptors 24-18, continuing a troubling trend.
A Turnaround in the Second Quarter
Despite their first-quarter woes, the Hornets found a spark in the second quarter. They erupted for 35 points, flipping the script and building an 11-point lead by halftime—an impressive 18-point swing from the first quarter. This surge marked a significant trend for Charlotte, as they have averaged 33.8 points in the second quarter over their last five games, placing them at the top of the league in that category, 2.3 points ahead of the Miami Heat.
LaMelo Ball’s Early Exit
As the game progressed, the Hornets maintained their lead into the third quarter. However, their star player, LaMelo Ball, left the game due to left ankle soreness shortly after the half began. Ball had been searching for his rhythm following a return from injury, contributing 11 points and 3 assists before his exit, leaving the Hornets to rely on their depth.
Fourth Quarter Dominance from Young Stars
Heading into the final quarter with a seven-point advantage, the Hornets’ recent draft picks took center stage. Tidjane Salaun and Kon Knueppel led the charge during a dominant 31-10 run, effectively sealing the game for Charlotte. Salaun showcased his talent by scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter alone, while Knueppel added 8 points, putting the game out of reach for Toronto.
Tidjane Salaun Shines Bright
In a standout performance, Tidjane Salaun achieved a career-high 21 points, marking his first back-to-back-to-back double-digit scoring games in the NBA. Since returning from the G-League, Salaun has emerged as a vital contributor, averaging 14.7 points while shooting an impressive 63.6% from the field and 64.3% from beyond the arc. His evolution as a player has provided a glimmer of hope for a Hornets team looking to find its footing amidst a challenging season.
As the Hornets secured their seventh win of the season, Friday night’s performance against the Raptors served as a testament to their resilience and the burgeoning talent within their roster.
