Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: 3 takeaways in win vs. Indiana Pacers

By Jason Huber

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 20: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half of their game at Spectrum Center on October 20, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Hornets won 123-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 20: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against Chris Duarte #3 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half of their game at Spectrum Center on October 20, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Hornets won 123-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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After ending last season on such a bad note, the Charlotte Hornets quickly wiped away any unpleasant memories from that play-in game loss with a thriller of a season-opener against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

Charlotte Hornets: 3 takeaways from win vs. Indiana Pacers

Down by 23 points in the third quarter, the Hornets went on an improbable 24-0 run to retake the lead and hold on to a 123-122 victory over that same Pacers team that end ended their season just a few months ago.

Thanks to the hot hand of LaMelo Ball, fourth-quarter heroics from Gordon Hayward and clutch free throws by P.J. Washington, Charlotte is now 1-0 and did it in a dramatic fashion.

The win came even without starting guard Terry Rozier, who was declared out with a hamstring injury just minutes before the start of the game, and newcomers Ish Smith and Kelly Oubre Jr. each stepped up with double-digit scoring games.

The Hornets had the Spectrum Center rocking but now they have to keep this momentum going in order to make their first playoff appearance in six years.

So, with an even mix of good and bad moments, here are three takeaways from the game.

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