Hornets Roar to First Home Win in Thrilling Victory Over Raptors

Hornets back at home trying to get the win. Photo Charlotte Hornets Instagram

Mann and Richards Lead the Charge for Charlotte

The Charlotte Hornets stunned the Toronto Raptors with a 138-133 win, thanks to standout performances from Tre Mann and Nick Richards. Mann lit up the bench, scoring 27 points, while Richards dominated the paint with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Together, they gave Charlotte its first home victory of the season in a wild, high-scoring affair.

Cody Martin’s Career Night Sparks the Hornets

Cody Martin had a career-high 25 points, playing a pivotal role in Charlotte's explosive offense alongside LaMelo Ball. Martin’s efficiency, combined with LaMelo's playmaking, kept the Raptors on their heels all night. Ball, with 19 points, orchestrated a game-changing 12-0 run, pulling Charlotte back into control after a shaky second quarter.

Raptors Struggle Without Barnes, But Barrett Shines

Despite missing Scottie Barnes (out for at least three weeks), the Raptors’ offense came alive in spurts. RJ Barrett led the charge with 31 points, while rookie Gradey Dick had a career-high 30 points. Jakob Poeltl added 20 points and 16 rebounds, but Toronto couldn't overcome early turnovers and missed opportunities in the clutch.

Hornets’ Bench Dominates, Raptors Can't Find Rhythm

Charlotte’s bench came alive, contributing 72 points, with Mann, Martin, and Grant Williams combining for 69 of those. Toronto, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm early, turning the ball over seven times in the first quarter alone. This allowed the Hornets to quickly build a 30-16 lead, but the Raptors responded with a 43-point second quarter.

LaMelo’s Impact is Undeniable in Third-Quarter Surge

Ball proved once again why he's the engine that drives Charlotte’s offense. His back-to-back steals, five straight points, and assist on Mann’s three-pointer ignited the 12-0 run, shifting momentum back to the Hornets. With Ball’s energy, Charlotte turned a five-point deficit into a seven-point lead going into the final quarter.

Clutch Play and Free Throws Seal the Win for Charlotte

With the game hanging in the balance, Ball drove to the hoop and scored, making it a two-possession game. The Hornets' defense held firm as Toronto fouled late, and Charlotte sealed the victory with free throws. The win was a team effort, showcasing a perfect blend of offense, defense, and bench depth.

Next Up: Hornets vs. Celtics, Raptors Host Lakers

After an exciting win, the Hornets now turn their attention to back-to-back games against the Celtics this weekend. The Raptors will look to bounce back when they host the Lakers on Friday. Both teams showed moments of brilliance, but Charlotte's resilience and bench depth proved the difference in this thrilling showdown.