Down three key rotation players for the second half, the Charlotte Hornets ground out a 114-97 road win in Indiana on Friday to win the season series.
Entering the night without Malik Monk and LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward did not return after halftime with a right ankle sprain, leaving the Hornets without two starters and their top bench scoring option.
However, big nights from Miles Bridges and Brad Wanamaker off the bench and strong fourth quarters from Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham allowed the Hornets to fend off the Pacers for the victory, earning them the series win and a playoff tiebreaker in the process.
Bridges led all scorers with 23 points while Cody Zeller had 17. Terry Rozier finished with 15, Wanamaker had 13 and Graham had 12. Hayward finished with 13 points in 19 minutes in the first half.