The Toronto Raptors sent a signal that they are in win-now mode by trading for Rudy Gay. Thus far, the star forward has adapted to his new surroundings north of the border. Gay, averaging 24.3 points in four games as a member of the Raptors, will help Toronto go for consecutive victories when playing host to the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday. The Raptors had dropped five of six before Friday’s 100-98 overtime win over Indiana, which snapped the Pacers’ 15-game home winning streak.
Toronto figures to get all it can handle against third-year point guard Greivis Vasquez, who is coming off his first career triple-double with 21 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds in a 111-100 triumph over the Atlanta Hawks. Vasquez, who has the Hornets in search of a third straight win, has averaged 11.1 assists over his past 11 games. His 9.4 assists rank only behind Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul for the NBA lead.
TV: 6 p.m. ET, Fox Sports New Orleans, The Sports Network 2 (Toronto)
ABOUT THE HORNETS (17-33): Eric Gordon has been battling a knee injury all season but looked like his old self Friday, scoring 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting in beating the Hawks. But it was Vasquez who stole the show. "This one really feels great," Vasquez said of his all-around performance. "It's special because it's my first one, and with a win. I can't be satisfied. I want more, and I want to help the team win games."
ABOUT THE RAPTORS (18-32): Gay’s effort and ability hasn’t gone unnoticed by coach Dwane Casey. “That's a guy that, no disrespect to anyone else we have, that can go one-on-one and finish a play. He's done it throughout his career. He got it for us," Casey said after Friday’s win. Big man Andrea Bargnani came off the bench for a second straight game, scoring 14 points in 29 minutes. He’s working back from wrist and elbow injuries that cost his 26 games.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Hornets C Robin Lopez is averaging 14.6 points over his past six games, three points above his season average.
2. Kyle Lowry took over as Toronto’s starting point guard following the trade of Jose Calderon, but he is averaging a mere eight points in five games during that time.
3. The Raptors have won three straight in the series and five of six meetings.