East Notes: Hornets, Raptors, Scottie Barnes, Nets

Hornets

Forward Mikal Bridges send the Hornets were able to avoid anxiety after building a big lead vs. the Raptors on Friday, giving it up, and then rallying for a win.

“It was just about not panicking,” Bridges said of battling back after surrendering the lead. “We know they went on a run and they came back, but at that moment right there we just had to change the way we were playing and be more physical.”

• Charlotte tied a franchise record with four players scoring at least 20 points. That was despite continuing to play without injured point guard and leading scorer LaMelo Ball.
• Coach Steve Clifford to reporters: “I think the last five or six games our shot profile has gotten a lot better. Early in the year, we were scoring a ton in the paint, but we weren’t making many 3s nor were we shooting that many. Now we’re getting a better balance.”

Raptors

The Raptors (9-13) wasted the second triple-double of the season from forward Scottie Barnes in Friday’s loss to the Hornets. They again are looking just OK and seem to be heading in the wrong direction.

“We have to come and play with some urgency from the beginning and lock in mentally,” Barnes told reporters. “Create stops and let that lead us to transition on the offensive end.”

• Raptors big man Pascal Siakam and forward OG Anunoby are back on the trade rumor mill, with one opposing scout telling Hoops Wire he believes at least one will be traded by the February deadline. “Probably both,” the scout added.

Nets

Brooklyn has won three straight and six out of seven. As an added bonus, the Nets (12-9) are three games over .500 for the first time this season.

The latest win came Friday, when the Nets routed the Wizards.

“It’s amazing, just the psyche. And this is a game that we can hopefully look back on,’ coach Jacque Vaughn said, via Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “I think we were 3-for-18 at halftime from 3, and sometimes when the ball’s not going in that affects your mood, your spirit, your energy, and all of the above.

“Came out just more focused. Focused on what we needed to accomplish. I think our activity level was higher in the second half. The ball started going in. Sometimes, it’s just that simple, seeing the ball go in for you.”