Swarm and Sting
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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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Domantas Sabonis #11 and Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers battle Mason Plumlee #24 and Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets for a rebound. Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Domantas Sabonis #11 and Malcolm Brogdon #7 of the Indiana Pacers battle Mason Plumlee #24 and Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets for a rebound. Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images /

Charlotte Hornets takeaways: There’s still a major problem at center

It felt like we echoed the Hornets lack of reliable big-man all offseason and the only big move that they made was the acquisition of Mason Plumlee.

Charlotte is banking that their young centers who didn’t even play on Wednesday will develop but until that happens, it might be another long season for the Hornets interior defense.

Almost right out of the gates against Indiana, power forward Domantas Sabonis began dominating Plumlee inside the paint and scored 22 points in his first 13 minutes played. He cooled off a bit in the second half but finished the night with 33 points and 15 rebounds.

Plumlee just couldn’t keep pace with Sabonis, who is an all-star, but nowhere near the other star talent that Charlotte will continue to see throughout the season.

Not only did Sabonis but the entire Pacers team was scoring inside the paint to start the game and it was a big reason the Hornets fell behind so early.

There seems to be no quick fix for this problem and unless James Borrego gives Vernon Carey and Nick Richards a chance, Plumlee will have to step up his defense to keep pace.

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