The Charlotte Hornets entered Wednesday night's game against the Toronto Raptors, looking to improve on a two-game win streak after victories against the Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder.
That said, it wasn't quite meant to be. After holding a six-point lead through the first three quarters, the Toronto Raptors outscored Charlotte by seven points in the fourth, defeating the Hornets on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by guard Immanuel Quickley.
Seconds earlier, LaMelo Ball made a contested layup to take the lead (96-94), a lead that the Hornets thought would hold with just 1.8 seconds remaining.
In a poor shooting night from the field (37%) for Charlotte, it was Collin Sexton who rose to the occasion, scoring 22 points off the bench on 7-for-13 shooting.
PJ Hall continued his strong play in wake of injuries to Ryan Kalkbrenner and Mason Plumlee, scoring eight points to go along with seven rebounds in 15 minutes.
That said, the Hornets could be in the market for another piece in the frontcourt. According to Brett Siegel of Clutch Points, Charlotte has been linked to former NBA Champion Bobby Portis.
In 36 games for Milwaukee this season, Portis is averaging 13.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and shooting a career-high 47.3% from three-point range.
Portis would provide Charlotte with depth, impact minutes and would help the development of Charlotte's young centers.
Furthermore, Portis has ties to both head coach Charles Lee and Pat Connaughton, as the three spent time together as members of the Milwaukee Bucks.
While Milwaukee could be reluctant to move on from Portis, he'd certainly make a great pickup for Charlotte, if they can acquire him for the right price.
The salaries of both Josh Green and Grant Williams are nearly identical to that of Portis' making one of those two players likely to be included in a possible return.
Collin Sexton's contract is a bit larger, however, he could be shopped by Charlotte given that he'll reach free agency at the end of the season.
In the meantime, Charlotte will continue to chase a top-10 spot in order to reach the NBA Play-In tournament. Their next mstchup is Thursday at home against the Indiana Pacers.
More NBA news:
- This stat proves why the Lakers' approach isn't sustainable
- This Brandon Miller stat will shock you
- VJ Edgecombe reaches stats unseen by a rookie since LeBron in 2003
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praises Chet Holmgren for OKC's success
- LeBron James breaks another scoring record in win over Grizzlies
- Tyrese Maxey: 'Joel Embiid was really the first person to believe in me'
- One of the NBA's most efficient players is on a two-way contract