The Indiana Pacers demolished their opponents last night. In the first look at the NBA’s new play-in tournament format, one team was ready and the other…not so much. The 10-seed Charlotte Hornets were no match for the 9-seed. Behind the play of Domantas Sabonis and eight players with 12+ points each, this was quite the show from Indiana.
The first quarter showed what was in store for the Hornets. The Pacers punched them in the mouth with a 40-point first quarter to their 24. The defense would just increase in the second quarter as Charlotte was held to just 21 points in the second period. When it was all said and done, the score would be 69-47 at the break.
Everything is going right for the Pacers rn ? pic.twitter.com/H56Wyu43oL
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 18, 2021
The second half really didn’t get much better. While the Hornets hit more shots and scored 33 points, they couldn’t keep up with the pace of Indiana. The Pacers would finish the 3rd with 39 points. This highlight sums up the night pretty well.
Way too easy for the Pacers today ? pic.twitter.com/HK7pLVJB90
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 19, 2021
Going into the fourth quarter. It was clear where this game was headed.
Tough scene after 3. pic.twitter.com/PUKQmXnsoa
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 19, 2021
The Pacers would let the Hornets outscore them in the final quarter. 39-36. While it was a noble effort from Charlotte, it was futile. Sabonis put up 14 points, 21 rebounds, and 9 assists just missing out on the triple-double. Oshae Brissett led the way in points with 23 followed by Doug McDermott with 21. Everyone got in on the fun. Even Myles Turner, who did not play due to a foot injury.
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 19, 2021
The Hornets young core couldn’t get anything going. LaMelo Bal finished with a very meager stat line of 14 points and 4 assists and Sabonis grabbed all the rebounds from PJ Washington and company. It was a dominating performance. Pacers won 144-117.
