The Indiana Pacers were able to squeeze by the Charlotte Hornets on the road after overcoming a 21-point deficit.
The Hornets continue to battle injuries, as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was injured in Saturday’s loss in Philadelphia, and is expected to miss Tuesday’s contest against Detroit, as well. Point guard, Kemba Walker is also still out, expected to miss at least five more weeks.
Charlotte experienced a rare showing of offense on Sunday, but it wasn’t enough, as the defense faltered, particularly in the second half. Charlotte gave up 36 points in the third quarter, after surrendering just 39 points in the first half, “We came out to start the third quarter with nothing,” said Coach Steve Clifford after the game. The Hornets found themselves in an offensive race to the finish line in the second half, being forced to play a very different game to the one they are accustomed, a layup by George Hill sealed the Hornets’ fate, after miscommunication between Brian Roberts, and Cody Zeller on a pick-and-roll allowed Hill to get to the basket, with no timeouts, Brian Roberts was forced to heave a desperate attempt from just inside half-court, one that clanked off of the side of the rim.
Al Jefferson led the way for the Hornets, scoring 30 points on 13 of 22 shooting, and grabbing 13 rebounds, Brian Roberts added 19 points on 8 of 14 shooting, and Gerald Henderson finished with 13 points on 2 of 9 shooting, as well as adding seven rebounds, and eight assists. CJ Watson led the Pacers in scoring with 22 points on 7 of 11 shooting, while Luis Scola, Rodney Stuckey, and David West scored 15 a piece; Scola also had 14 boards.
The absence of Kidd-Gilchrist continues to plague the Hornets, as they continue to lose their way without him in the rotation. Jeffery Taylor got the nod at Small Forward, and played well, considering he’s barely played significant minutes thus far, this may be his opportunity to get back into the rotation, and get his feet back under him after missing so much time at the beginning of the season.
The Hornets next battle the Detroit Pistons at home on Tuesday, look for a very post-oriented game, featuring Al Jefferson, and Greg Monroe, as well as Andre Drummond crashing the boards, and swatting shots. Another point of interest, will be whether or not Kyle Singler, or Jeffery Taylor (assuming he starts) can take advantage of the other. The Hornets face a tough schedule after the all-star break, and need to regain their footing before break, so they can go out and compete against a grueling three-game stretch (Oklahoma City, at Dallas, and at Chicago).
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