Charlotte flew out of the gates on Saturday and led wire-to-wire against the Raptors, earning a 114-104 victory.
The Hornets buried 11 first-quarter 3-pointers and 16 in the first half as they not only led from start to finish but held a double-digit lead for much of the contest.
The Raptors, who are severely short-handed due to health and safety protocols, briefly cut the deficit to below 15 points late in the second quarter heading into halftime. A 9-0 run from the Hornets early in the third quarter ended any comeback hopes for Toronto, though.
LaMelo Ball had a game-high 23 points while Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier each added 17. Malik Monk chipped in 16. That quartet knocked down 17 of the team’s 3-pointers on the night.
