Hornets Get Blown Out by Pacers, 144-113
The still short-handed Charlotte Hornets couldn't hold on against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, losing in a 144-113 blowout that marks the first time the Hornets have fallen to the Pacers since the last season and the start of this year — Jan. 8, 2023, on the same court at Indianapolis' Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Wednesday's loss breaks the Hornets' two-game win streak over the Pacers — a slim 125-124 on Nov. 4 this season and a come-from-behind 115-109 on March 20 last season.
But the Hornets didn't come from behind this time, not after effectively trailing the entire game, tying it up only once (at 43) when P.J. Washington hit a 25-foot three-pointer in the second quarter.
From there, the Pacers pulled away, and three consecutive made free throws from Indiana's Buddy Hield after a Brandon Miller flagrant didn't help things. There were some flashes of Hornets strength on the breakaway — Bryce McGowens and Miles Bridges both had beautiful dunks in Q2 following Pacers turnovers.
Every Hornets bench player got minutes on the court, including Nathan Mensah, Leaky Black and James Bouknight. As for Charlotte's starters — all attempting to cover for the injured LaMelo Bell, not to mention Mark Williams — Terry Rozier ended the game with 25 points, nine rebounds and seven assists; Brandon Miller had 21 points and six rebounds; Miles Bridges had 19 points and four rebounds.
Best of the Night: Terry Rozier
Rozier has earned so much good will from Hornets fans at this point that he can, at times, almost feel invisible on the court. But his presence should be appreciated immensely, especially with his ongoing tenacity as he tries to fill the gaps for absent teammates. It's a little perplexing that Rozier's name gets thrown around by fans so much in probable trade talks when he's clearly such a crucial component here.
Stats of the Night: More Terry
Rozier matched his season high points in a quarter with 14 in the first, the Hornets revealed on Wednesday, just after he surpassed Glen Rice on the team's all-time scoring list — Rozier is now fifth on that list.
Up Next: The Hornets return home to Spectrum Center play the Denver Nuggets on Friday (Dec. 23) at 7 PM EST.
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on social media:
Facebook - All Hornets
X - @All_Hornets and Philip Trapp
