Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
Indiana PacersOpen full analysis
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 127–118 on November 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam combining for 46 points to lead the hosts. Indiana's offensive efficiency proved decisive: the Pacers shot 54.1 percent from the field and made 16 three-pointers while maintaining a 126.8 offensive rating against Charlotte's 110.6. The Hornets' K.J. Knueppel (28 points) and Miles Bridges (25 points) mounted a fourth-quarter surge that cut into Indiana's lead—Charlotte outscored the Pacers 34–23 in the final frame—but it came too late to overcome an earlier deficit. Indiana dominated the second quarter, extending its advantage to double digits with a 32-point output, while Charlotte's 21-point second-quarter performance left them trailing by nine at halftime. Charlotte's 48 rebounds and 28 assists demonstrated competitive effort, yet their 40.2 field-goal percentage and 13 three-pointers made proved insufficient against Indiana's balanced attack. The Pacers' defensive rating of 110.6 held firm despite the late pressure, keeping the Hornets at arm's length throughout. Indiana's win underscores their capacity to control pace and execution when healthy.
