It's safe to assume the Hornets' main topic of conversation while preparing to play at the Magic on Tuesday will be defense.
Their offense was just fine, but their defense was lacking at times in a 118-111 victory against the Raptors on Sunday in Toronto. "It's going to be a tough test facing the big fellow, Mr. (Dwight) Howard," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "They have good perimeter shooters and play a lot like (the Raptors).
"If we don't double him real hard and rotate quickly, we're going to have a tough time. If we do, then I think we'll be in good shape."
The game against the Magic begins a set of back-to-back games, which concludes in Miami on Wednesday, to conclude the Hornets' six-game road trip, their longest of the season.
The Hornets are 3-1 on the trip and have won six of their last seven to improve to 50-22.
HORNETS 118, RAPTORS 111: The Hornets scored more than 30 points in each of the first three quarters to roll to a 101-79 lead, then withstood a belated rally by the Raptors' reserves to prevail Sunday in Toronto.
Five Hornets scored in double-figures, and the team shot 60 percent from the field (67 percent during the first three quarters).
The Raptors crept within 114-108 with a minute and a half remaining, but David West scored on a hook shot and Tyson Chandler made a dunk to negate the threat.
"We can't let that (comeback) happen," forward Peja Stojakovic said. "You have to stay focused for 48 minutes and finish strong. You have to not look at the scoreboard and just play the game."
