Hornets Fall to Raptors in Tight Battle

November 11, 2016 – Hornets Fall to Raptors in Tight Battle

Raptors 113, Hornets 105 (Spectrum Center – Charlotte, NC)

For the first time this season, the Charlotte Hornets faced real adversity in crunch time—and this time, they couldn’t find an answer.

Despite a near-triple-double from Ben Simmons and strong performances from Jerami Grant and Frank Kaminsky, the Hornets fell just short against the Toronto Raptors, losing 113-105 in front of their home crowd.

The game went down to the final possession, but Charlotte couldn’t convert on a last-second shot, sealing just their second loss of the season.

Simmons Shines, But Free Throws Continue to Haunt Him

Once again, Ben Simmons put up huge numbers, running the offense with his signature playmaking and aggressive inside scoring.

Final stat line:

• 27 points (13-27 FG, 1-3 FT)

• 9 rebounds

• 14 assists

• 2 steals

• 3 turnovers

Simmons controlled the game for Charlotte, finding open teammates, crashing the glass, and attacking the Raptors in transition. However, his free throw struggles (1-for-3) continued to be an issue, especially late in the game when Toronto intentionally sent him to the line.

“They played smart,” Simmons admitted postgame. “I gotta step up in those moments. We had a chance to win, and I didn’t get it done.”

Jerami Grant & Kaminsky Step Up

While Simmons led the charge, Jerami Grant had one of his best games of the season, finishing with 18 points while shooting 3-of-6 from deep. His outside shooting kept Charlotte in the game, spacing the floor and punishing Toronto for overcommitting to Simmons.

Frank Kaminsky also delivered, recording a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double, battling inside against Toronto’s bigs and giving Charlotte key second-chance opportunities.

“Our effort was there,” Kaminsky said. “We just didn’t execute when it mattered most.”

Terrence Ross & Kyle Lowry Sink the Hornets

The Raptors rode the hot hand of Terrence Ross, who exploded for 30 points, knocking down big shots throughout the night.

Meanwhile, Kyle Lowry controlled the tempo, finishing with 24 points and 14 assists, orchestrating the offense and picking apart Charlotte’s defense when it counted most.

“They made plays when it mattered,” said Hornets coach Steve Clifford. “That’s a veteran team. We’re still learning how to close these games.”

The Final Moments

Charlotte trailed by just two points with under 30 seconds left, needing one big stop.

Toronto ran a pick-and-roll, forcing a defensive switch, and Lowry found Ross in the corner for a dagger three, pushing the lead to five.

Simmons raced down the floor, found Grant for a quick bucket, and the Hornets intentionally fouled to extend the game.

After Lowry hit his free throws, Charlotte had one final shot to force overtime—but Simmons’ contested drive at the rim rolled off the front of the iron, sealing the 113-105 loss.

The Takeaway

The loss drops Charlotte to 7-2, but there’s no reason for panic.

• Simmons continues to dominate, but free throw struggles remain an issue.

• Grant and Kaminsky showed they can contribute in big moments.

• Charlotte is still figuring out how to close tight games against playoff-caliber opponents.

“This is just part of the process,” Simmons said. “We’re going to learn from this and come back stronger.”

The Hornets will have a chance to bounce back soon, but one thing is clear—closing games will be the next big test for this young squad.