Hornets emerge from break reenergized, rout Raptors 125-93

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. each scored 23 points and the Charlotte Hornets emerged from the All-Star break looking reenergized with a 125-93 rout of the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

Montrezl Harrell added 20 points for the Hornets. They never trailed and led by 41 points near the end of the third quarter.

Scottie Barnes had a career-high 28 points for the Raptors.

Charlotte limped into the All-Star break having lost nine of 10 games and looking like a tired team. But the Hornets raced to a 14-2 lead after holding the Raptors to 1-of-10 shooting. They extended the lead to 70-47 at halftime as P.J. Washington hit back-to-back 3-pointers and had a fast-break dunk off a steal.

Charlotte used a 19-0 run in the third quarter to push its lead to 41, which included 7-foot center Mason Plumlee bringing the crowd to its feet when used a behind-the-back dribble to shake his man, and drive down the lane for a rim-rocking two-handed dunk.

The Hornets outscored the Raptors 37-14 in the third quarter to snap a seven-game home losing streak.

The Hornets outrebounded the Raptors 52-36 and scored 18 points off 17 Toronto turnovers.

TIP INS

Raptors: Forward OG Anunoby did not play after he popped up on the injury report Friday with a fractured finger on his right hand. ... Made 6 of 23 3-point attempts.

Hornets: Continued to play without Gordon Hayward (ankle), Jalen McDaniels (ankle) and Nick Richards (foot), but Cody Martin was able to return giving the Hornets nine active players.

UP NEXT

Raptors: At Atlanta on Saturday night.

Hornets: Host Detroit on Sunday night.