MARCO Belinelli scored 21 points while Kemba Walker drilled two crucial three-pointers in a late-game rally and the Charlotte Hornets snapped the Raptors’ six-game win streak with a 110-106 victory on Wednesday in Toronto (Thursday, Manila time).
Walker, who finished with 19 points, four rebounds and two assists, came up big in the final period, sinking two big 3-pointers in the final two minutes, giving the Hornets a 104-101 lead with 37.5 seconds left. He also had four rebounds and two assists,
Charlotte (34-41) is three games behind Indiana for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference
The Hornets were impressive from downtown, going 8 for 10 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter and finishing with a 16-for-32 performance on triples.
DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points for Toronto (45-30), and Jonas Valanciunas had 14 points and 15 rebounds. The loss prevented the Raptors from clinching home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Marvin Williams finished with 18 points for the Hornets, and Nicolas Batum had 15. Frank Kaminsky scored 12 of his 13 points in the first half.
Cory Joseph scored 18 points for Toronto, which shot 11 for 31 from 3-point range. Serge Ibaka had 15 points.
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