The Charlotte Hornets shot the ball well but turned it over 18 times as the lost to the Pacers, 119-105.
The Summary
The teams started the game evenly. Miles Bridges and Mark Williams got off to a pretty good start to keep pace with Indiana, but that changed once the lineups broke. The Hornets started turning the ball over when faced by the Pacers’ bench’s heightened intensity. That led to easy buckets on the other end and helped the Pacers to a seven point first quarter lead.
The Hornets struggled more with the Pacers defense and the energy of TJ McConnell and fell into a deeper hole. They were able to flip the script with Bridges back on the floor but lost it again as soon as Miles checked back out. The Pacers went on a little run to end the quarter and led by eight at the half.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets on a rally as both a scorer and a facilitator. At one point, the Hornets scored 11 straight points and had a chance to take the lead. They couldn’t capitalize. Rick Carlisle went to an energy squad off the bench led by TJ McConnell once again. They countered that run and then some. Lots of run outs and transition opportunities helped the home team to a 14 point lead heading into the fourth.
Tidjane Salaün pulled up from three at the shot clock buzzer to open the fourth quarter scoring, and that was promptly followed by a long jumper from Bridges. It looked like the Hornets were going to make another run, but Aaron Nesmith found a way to answer and canceled out the burgeoning Hornets run and created a comfortable margin for the Pacers to cruise home with.
The Good
Miles Bridges was somewhat deferential during his 24 minutes on the floor, but his presence was notable. His team best +11 was not a coincidence. He kept the team organized and capitalized on transition opportunities for a very efficient 18 points.
Seth Curry hit both of his 3-point attempts as he continues his pursuit of the 3-point crown. He’s such a good offensive player. He’s making a very strong case to be back next season.
He could not buy a layup, but Damion Baugh had some really, really nice passes off a live dribble.
This end of shot clock play.
OHHH OKAYYY@sdotcurry x @MarkWi1liams | 📹 @FDSN_Hornets pic.twitter.com/2FUo4XSu2T
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) April 3, 2025
The Bad
The Hornets struggled with defensive pressure. It’s been a recurring theme lately, which isn’t surprising given the personnel. 18 turnovers were Pacers steals, and that led to a lot of run outs and easy buckets. Beyond the steals, the Hornets also put up a lot of overly tough shots against that pressure, which often had the same effect as the turnovers.
Josh Green left the game after one or two stints on the floor because of a bothersome shoulder. With only 10 days left until the end of the season, it wouldn’t be surprising if he joins the club of shutdown Hornets.
What’s Next
Only six games to go. The next one comes on Friday against a Kings team coming off a loss to the Wizards.