In a thrilling matchup, the Toronto Raptors secured a narrow 110-108 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on November 17, 2025. Scottie Barnes played a pivotal role, contributing 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists. His standout moment came with a crucial block just 0.2 seconds before the final buzzer.
Barnes Emphasizes Growth After the Narrow Win
Following the game, Barnes underscored the importance of continual improvement. “We need to know how we can get better from this and keep growing,” he stated during his post-game conference. He emphasized accountability among teammates as essential for their development.
The victory marked the Raptors’ fourth consecutive win, bringing their record to 9-5. This triumph placed them a half-game ahead of the New York Knicks in the Atlantic Division and third in the Eastern Conference standings.
Key Players Shine
- Brandon Ingram led all scorers, netting 27 points while also recording six rebounds and a vital block.
- Immanuel Quickley achieved his first double-double of the season with 16 points and a season-high 10 rebounds.
- Toronto’s scoring depth showed as six players reached double figures, including RJ Barrett (16 points), Jakob Poeltl (13 points), and Gradey Dick (10 points).
Ingram made an impressive highlight-reel dunk, showcasing his return to form after a significant injury last season. “That definitely was a confidence builder,” he remarked, reflecting on his performance.
Endgame Execution
As the game unfolded, Charlotte briefly took the lead with a three-pointer from Miles Bridges. However, Barnes quickly responded with a powerful dunk, leveling the score at 108-108. Down the stretch, a well-coordinated give-and-go between Ingram and Quickley set up RJ Barrett for the game-winning layup.
Barnes commended Ingram’s offensive presence, noting how opposing teams are forced to double-team him, which opens opportunities for others. “(Ingram) draws so much attention,” he added.
Coaching Insight and Free Throw Discrepancy
Head coach Darko Rajakovic expressed optimism about the team’s performance. He highlighted the importance of the game as a learning tool for executing crucial moments effectively.
The contest had a significant free-throw disparity, with Charlotte awarded 30 attempts and converting 24. In contrast, the Raptors had 16 attempts, making 12. Rajakovic humorously deflected questions about the officiating, suggesting that topics of that nature are better left unaddressed.
This win not only bolstered the Raptors’ standings but also reinforced the team’s commitment to remaining hungry and humble as the season progresses.
