"I won't exactly let one game flip the script about Brandon Ingram or the hot Raptors winning streak lose its luster in my eyes, but even with a sound mind, there was absolutely no excuse for Toronto's key defeat to the Charlotte Hornets on November 29. While Toronto's winning streak was never going to last forever, the way they lost"
"While the Brandon Ingram experience has been relatively pleasant thus far, he had an extremely rough night against Charlotte. Despite this, the ball was too often in BI's hands down the stretch when he simply could not buy a basket. I recognize BI's scoring talent and his standout moments this season, including a recent game-winner, but what truly fueled the team's success was unselfishness, cohesive team play, and balanced contributions."
"Knueppel's game-tying three late in the fourth was a massive defensive lapse by Ingram, who simply stood there with very little shot contest, and he couldn't easily replicate his Pacers game-winner on the next possession. Of course, some factors in the Hornets game were out of Toronto's control - bench struggles, critical mistakes/oversights, and late turnovers - but relying on Ingram playing hero ball was not the answer."
Toronto suffered a key defeat to the Charlotte Hornets on November 29 that exposed roster and decision-making flaws. Brandon Ingram had an extremely rough night and the offense too often funneled possessions into his hands down the stretch when shots would not fall. Knueppel's game-tying three reflected a massive defensive lapse by Ingram, and subsequent hero-ball attempts failed to produce points. Bench struggles, critical mistakes, and late turnovers compounded the problem. Scottie Barnes was available for a better late possession but was overlooked, producing an extremely tough forced attempt. The roster needs unselfish, cohesive, and balanced contributions in high-stakes matchups to contend for a playoff spot.
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