The Raptors dropped their second game in as many nights to another one of the league's doormats, in an almost identical score. The Charlotte Hornets which showed up on Monday were a much different team than the team which swept four games from the Raptors last year. Missing Glen Rice and Anthony Mason, the Hornets had only won twice going into this game, and had the worst record in the Central Division. It appeared that they would be easy prey for the Raptors.
That's why they actually play the games, however, and Charlotte posted a surprising victory. The Hornets held a six point lead at halftime, but really opened things up in the third quarter, holding Toronto to 15 points in the third, and taking a 13 point lead into the fourth. Toronto fought back, again making up a large deficit in the fourth, and tied the game with just over a minute left on a jumper from Vince Carter, returning to Carolina for the first time as a pro. Both teams missed on their next trip dwon the floor, and Derrick Coleman drove the lane and was fouled with 17 seconds left. He hit one of two free throws to give Charlotte the lead, and then blocked Doug Christie's field goal attempt to seal the win for Charlotte.
Charlotte had three scorers with 20 points: Coleman with 24, David Wesley with 21, and J.R. Reid with 20. Carter, Christie and Dee Brown shared the Raptor lead with 15 apiece.
Back to Schedule
