Strong Start for Pacers as Hornets Struggle to Keep Up
On Wednesday night, the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets entered their games with very different objectives. The Pacers were aiming to secure the third seed in the playoffs, potentially overtaking the New York Knicks if they made a strong late-season push. They also had to keep an eye on the Detroit Pistons, as their lead over them was not significant, making winning a priority.
In contrast, the Hornets had shut down their two best players, Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball, for the remainder of the season and were content to lose games to secure a better draft pick.
Considering these factors, it was clear why the Pacers jumped ahead in the first quarter and held onto their lead, finishing the game with a 119-105 victory. Tyrese Haliburton played a crucial role in the win, racking up a double-double with 22 points and not a single turnover to his name.
Jarace Walker showed his worth off the bench by scoring ten points. His performance highlights that he deserves more playing time as Indiana gears up for the playoffs.
Without Ball and Miller, the Hornets were led by Miles Bridges, who scored 18 points. Charlotte shot better than the Pacers from beyond the arc and won the rebounding battle, but they committed 18 turnovers, which allowed the Pacers to manage the ball more effectively. Indiana’s efficient offense, spearheaded by Haliburton, could be crucial for their playoff push.
Fans will need to stay hopeful, as the final game against the Cleveland Cavaliers may not impact the standings but could set the tone for the Pacers’ performance in the postseason.
