Indiana PacersOpen full analysis
Charlotte HornetsOpen full analysis
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers 129–108 on April 3 at Spectrum Center, with B. Miller and K. Knueppel leading the home side with 22 and 20 points respectively. Despite P. Siakam's team-high 30 points for Indiana, the Pacers' offense stalled in stretches, shooting 46.2 percent from the field while converting just 15 three-pointers. Charlotte's balanced attack proved more efficient, connecting on 24 threes and shooting 47.9 percent overall en route to a 129.5 offensive rating that overwhelmed Indiana's 110.9 defensive rating. The Hornets' third quarter proved decisive, outscoring the Pacers 31–32 while establishing control; Indiana committed 11 turnovers to Charlotte's 9, further tilting the possession battle. The final margin of 21 points fell well short of the Vegas total of 234.5, reflecting a defensive grind in the second half. The result reinforces Charlotte's defensive identity as playoff positioning tightens down the stretch.
