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E-mail Xinhua, March 4, 2024
Toronto Raptors tandem of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley scored 23 and 22 points respectively in a 111-106 victory over Charlotte Hornets on Sunday evening.
Toronto were without All-Star Scottie Barnes, who fractured his left middle finger in Friday night's loss against Golden State. The 2022 Rookie of the Year is out indefinitely and led the team in all statistical categories with points (1,191), rebounds (494), assists (363), blocks (88) and steals (75).
In Barnes' absence, Barrett stepped up to finish with a team-high 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The 23-year-old Canadian also finished 3-for-6 from three, his fifth straight game of multiple makes from beyond the arc.
24-year-old Quickley also contributed with 22 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds. Since the All-Star game, the former Knicks guard is averaging 21.5 points, 6.8 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.0 threes made on 43.6 percent shooting.
Raptors head coach Darko Rajokovic shared the advice he gave the duo before the game.
"Don't think that you got to do more now that Scottie is not there. You guys are both great players and you're gonna get your shots in the game," said Rajokovic in the post-game press conference. "Just allow it to come naturally and make sure we have good ball movement."
After trailing 29-27 after the opening frame, the Raptors took control of the game after regaining the lead in the middle of the second quarter.
The lead was extended to as much as 15 before the Hornets went on a 14-2 run to take a brief one-point lead in the final minute of the fourth. Toronto's defense along with clutch free throws from Quickley, who nailed six straight in the final minute of play, put the game out of reach for Charlotte.
The Raptors got 17 points from Gary Trent Jr, who drilled three threes. Second-year guard Ochai Agbaji, who started in place of Barnes, had 13 points and a career-best nine rebounds.
The Raptors also got contributions off the bench from Jordan Nwora and rookie Gradey Dick, who finished with 11 points apiece.
