The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 111-108, at Amalie Center on Thursday evening.

The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Raptors holding a one-point lead after one quarter of play. The Raptors came out stronger in the second and pushed their lead to double digits before the Hornets cut it back to a nine-point game by halftime. The Raptors carried the momentum into the second half and pushed their lead as high as 18 points late in the third, before taking a 13-point lead into the final frame. However, the Raptors froze to start the fourth, as they went scoreless for the first five minutes of the quarter, while the Hornets cut it down to a five-point game. The Raptors woke up just in time, as they pushed their lead back to double digits and managed to stay in front the rest of the way.

Chris Boucher led the way for the Raptors, with 25 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, in 29 minutes off the bench. Kyle Lowry totaled 16 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and two steals, while Pascal Siakam finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block. The Raptors shot 46 percent from the field, including 20-of-50 from long range.

Meanwhile, seven players scored in double digits for the Hornets, led by Terry Rozier, who finished with 22 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block. P.J. Washington added 20 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, while LaMelo Ball tallied 14 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, three steals and a block.

The Hornets (6-7) and Raptors (3-8) will face off again in Tampa on Saturday.