LaMelo Ball scored 32 points and the Charlotte Hornets resisted an impressive comeback from Indiana’s second unit to win a tight 118-121.
Those of North Carolina They have five consecutive victories and are placed with a 10-7 record in the Eastern Conference, thanks in part to a 25-point lead midway through the third period, which they were responsible for squandering down the stretch.
“We have to keep an aggressive mentality. That is what has given us the advantage. And I’ve seen it countless times in the NBA. It’s a 48 minute long match. You can’t take your foot off the gas, ”admitted James Borrego.
Ball, who added 11 rebounds and 8 assists under his belt, starred in a notorious first half with 21 of his 32 points. “I just felt like I had to be a lot more aggressive,” said the sophomore.
All that good work of the Hornets almost wasted against the revolutionary Indiana backups. Jeremy Lamb, a former Hornet, had 23 points in just 16 minutes; Torrey Craig had 14, and an aggressive Brad Wanamaker had 12 points.
“I liked that we kept fighting,” admitted Jeremy Lamb. “We had nothing to lose, so we kept playing. We continue to reach the line, we continue to be aggressive … And we have to play like this throughout the game, not just when we are 20 or 25 points down, “he explained.
The starters didn’t have their best night with just Malcolm Brogdon in scoring double digits (16). Despite closing the gap and only one digit behind, Rick Carlisle never thought of getting them back on track.
These guys earned the chance to win the game. And they almost did. They almost succeeded in what would have been a small miracle. They got the game to be one-possession, so they did an incredible job out there, “he said.
Changes are coming
It’s not being the desired start for a Pacers who have a negative 6-11 record. Given his irregular start, coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged after the defeat that he is considering making changes to his starting five, right now with Brogdon, LeVert, Duarte, Sabonis and Turner.
“The NBA has become a very tough game. It has been one of the great things in its evolution. She is highly skilled and highly competitive, and if you don’t compete in the right way, you get kicked in the face, “he concluded.
(Cover photo: Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images)