Poor execution down the stretch doomed the Charlotte Hornets as they fell to Victor Oladipo and the Indiana Pacers.
The Charlotte Hornets (20-29)were defeated by the Indiana Pacers (28-23) as they dropped their second straight game away from home. Although the Big 3 of Kemba Walker, Dwight Howard and Nicolas Batum had great games, no one else really showed up for Charlotte. Victor Oladipo reminded everyone why he is an all-star this season as he led Indiana to an impressive victory.
Cody Zeller (knee) missed his 26th consecutive game but has been cleared for full-contact and should be returning soon. Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder) returned to the bench after a one-game absence. Marvin Williams suffered a left ankle sprain late in the fourth quarter. It’s unclear how long he will be out but the good news is that there is no fracture.
Game Story
This was a back-and-forth game that featured 18 lead changes and 16 ties. After being close throughout most of the affair, it came down to the fourth quarter. Charlotte trailed 88-86 with 7:57 remaining in the final period when Indiana went on a 15-3 run to take a 103-89 lead. During that run, the Hornets committed four turnovers and missed four shots. Kemba, Dwight and Nic had little help as they outscored the rest of the team, 67-29.
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Player of the Game
Dwight Howard finished the game with 22 points and 11 rebounds as he recorded his 31st double-double of the season. The eight-time all-star went 9-15 from the field and 4-5 from the free throw line. This was the 18th time this year that D12 scored 20+ points.
Kemba Walker led Charlotte with a team-high 23 points to go along with four assists and three rebounds. Nicolas Batum scored 22 points with five made three’s which tied a season-high for the Frenchman. Outside of those three, Jeremy Lamb was the next highest scorer with eight points. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marvin Williams only combined for eight points.
The Pacers were led by Victor Oladpio who put up 25 points to go along with five rebounds and three assists. Myles Turner led Indiana’s second unit with 22 points and four boards off of the bench. Thaddeus Young chipped in 16 points while Darren Collison (13), Domantas Sabonis (11) and Lance Stephenson (10) rounded out their double-digit scorers.
Highlight of the Night:
Tweet of the Game:
"Quick Stings"
- Dwight recorded his ninth straight double-double.
- MKG became onl the eighth player in franchise history to reach 2,000 career rebounds.
- Charlotte committed 16 turnovers compared to only 12 from Indiana.
- The Pacers outscored the Hornets, 54-42, in points in the paint.
- Indiana had 22 fast break points compared to only 14 for Charlotte.
With the loss, Charlotte falls to 0-1 in their season series versus Indiana. The Hornets have lost two straight regular-season games to the Pacers and three consecutive at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The two sides will next meet on February 2nd in the Queen City.
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In their next game, the Hornets will take on the Atlanta Hawks in the final game of their three-game road trip on Wednesday, January 31st. Steve Clifford’s side will be looking to snap a two-game losing streak and get back in the win column. The good news for Charlotte is that they are already 2-0 against ATL so far this season.