The Pacers (34-38) took one step forward towards a playoff berth after their 144-117 win over the Hornets (33-39) in the first game of the Eastern Conference Play-in Tournament.
Despite the Pacers being without Caris LeVert and Myles Turner, the team dominated the Hornets in all facets of the game while Charlotte’s postseason inexperience was exposed. The Hornets entered the game with 59 percent of their minutes being played by first, second, and third-year players, according to ESPN. Charlotte was also without Gordon Hayward due to a right ankle sprain he suffered in early April.
At the end of the first half, the Pacers led 69-45 and had assisted on 19 of their 26 field goals while shooting 55 percent from the field. The perimeter shooting by Oshae Brissett and Doug McDermott in the first half was the x-factor for the Pacers as the two combined for 30 points, and only 2 missed field goals.
After the first half, the Pacers only extended their 20-plus point lead throughout the entire second half as they cruised to a win. Malcolm Brogdon served as the engine of the offense after missing the Pacers’ last 10 games as he finished with 16 points and 8 assists in only 21 minutes of play. NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis totaled a near triple-double with 14 points, 21 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Ultimately the Hornets failed to grab rebounds throughout the game and couldn’t get into a rhythm when it came to perimeter shooting. LaMelo Ball wrapped up his incredible rookie season with 14 points and the potential of winning the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award despite missing 21 games due to a wrist injury.
The Pacers will face the Wizards in a win or go home game for the No. 8 seed in the final Eastern Conference Play-in game on Thursday.
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