The Charlotte Hornets set a plethora of franchise records in their 32-point victory over the Indiana Pacers, 158-126 on Wednesday.
The Hornets got off to a strong start and jumped out to an early 12-3 lead in the first quarter, thanks to great offensive and defensive efficiency. They eventually slacked off on the defensive end and allowed the Pacers to score 30 points in the first nine minutes of the game, making 13 of their first 18 shot attempts. Miles Bridges led the Hornets offensive attack with 12 opening quarter points. He played with confidence and aggression. At the end of the quarter, the Hornets trailed by three, 36-33.
Both offensives continued their torrid pace into the second quarter. The Hornets received some much needed outside shooting from Kelly Oubre Jr., while James Bouknight showcased his knack to get into the paint with ease. Meanwhile, their defensive struggles continued, not being able to stop the Pacers inside.
Even with the efficient offenses, the game was disjointed. Both teams were called for an abundance of fouls, 32, in the first half. The teams put up huge scoring numbers and at recess, the Hornets led 71-70.
The Hornets started the third quarter on a 15-2 run, largely made up of tough, self created-shots on offense. That helped them build separation between themselves and the Pacers. LaMelo Ball helped the Hornets keep their lead with eight straight points that included a four-point play, one of two four-point plays in the period.
Charlotte’s lead grew to as large as 22 at one juncture in the quarter. The Pacers made a run to cut into the lead, but the Hornets came right back with a run of their own and took a 19 point lead into the final frame, 113-94. The 113 points was the most points scored through three quarters in franchise history.
Ball and Oubre scored 11 quick points to start the fourth quarter. The only real drama left in the game was what kind of records the Hornets could set. Oubre got insanely hot from beyond the arc, connecting on five in the fourth and 10 in the contest, which was part of a Hornets record 39 points coming off the bench. Ball also got his fourth triple-double of the campaign.
The Hornets made nine three-pointers as a team and hit 148 points, before the bench players entered the game, with just under five minutes to play. Rookie Kai Jones hit his first career shot from distance to set the Hornets final score at 158, the most by any team in the league this season.
Hornets’ coach James Borrego stated, “We were due for one of these games,” he said. “We just got rolling, one guy after another and just a great game offensively tonight and a great third quarter defensively. That’s what turned the game.”
As stated earlier, Oubre scored a career-high 39 points and made a career-best 10 three-pointers, with five rebounds and three assists for the Hornets. Ball had a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists. Bridges contributed 22 points, four rebounds and one assist. Rozier scored 20 points, two rebounds and three assists. Forward Gordon Hayward did not play after entering the NBA COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Goga Bitdaze scored 17 points, along with six rebounds and two assists for the Pacers. Isaiah Jackson added 17 points, 4 rebounds and two assists. Torrey Craig had 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. Lance Stephenson had a double-double with 14 points and 10 dimes. The Pacers were missing Domantas Sabonis (sprained left ankle), Myles Turner (left foot) and Malcolm Brogdon (sore right Achilles tendon).
The Pacers travel to Oklahoma City to face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder on Friday. The Hornets return home on Friday to host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
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