The Hornets raced out to a big lead early and then hung on late with timely shots from Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham to earn a 108-105 win over Indiana on Friday.
Behind terrific 3-point shooting, Charlotte took a lead in the second quarter that quickly grew to double digits and barely looked back. The double-digit advantage carried through most of the second and third quarters before Indiana clawed back to take a lead late in the fourth.
But a 3-pointer from Terry Rozier with 1:10 left gave the Hornets a 105-103 lead and Graham followed 18 seconds later with a 3-pointer of his own that served as enough cushion for Charlotte to hang on for the win.
All five starters finished in double figures for the Hornets, led by Rozier and P.J. Washington’s 19 points apiece. LaMelo Ball added 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds off the bench.