Brandon Miller’s Free Throws Seal Hornets’ Win Over Pacers

Brandon Miller delivered two crucial free throws in the final seconds, helping the Charlotte Hornets snap an eight-game losing streak with a 113-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night. Miller finished with 26 points, leading his team to a hard-fought win despite a series of challenges.

The Hornets managed to overcome 24 turnovers with an impressive 51% shooting performance from the field. Vasa Micic also played a pivotal role, contributing 18 points and nine assists. Cody Martin added 14 points and six rebounds, while Nick Richards dominated the boards with 14 rebounds and nine points.

T.J. McConnell’s Career Night

T.J. McConnell had a standout performance for the Pacers, scoring a career high 30 points while also dishing out six assists. Jarace Walker chipped in 15 points, but it wasn’t enough to lift Indiana to victory. The Pacers have now lost five of their last six games, leaving questions about their early-season struggles. After making a run to the Eastern Conference finals last season, Indiana finds itself at a disappointing 10-15 record.

Hornets Overcome Injuries

The Hornets, already missing three of their top four scorers – LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Tre Mann – showed resilience despite their depleted roster. The absence of these key players, who combine for 61.2 points per game, presented a major challenge for first-year coach Charles Lee. Additionally, starting center Mark Williams was a late scratch due to a strained tendon in his left foot. Despite these setbacks, the Hornets found a way to win, a testament to their perseverance and teamwork.

Key Moment: Miller Seals the Win

In a tightly contested game, the Hornets’ lead was reduced to just two points with less than 10 seconds remaining. Miller stepped up to the free-throw line and calmly sank two shots, putting Charlotte ahead for good. His performance was critical in securing the win, along with his contributions of six rebounds and five assists.

Another significant factor in the Hornets’ victory was their dominance on the boards. Charlotte outrebounded Indiana 45-29, limiting the Pacers’ second-chance opportunities. This rebound disparity played a key role in the Hornets maintaining control throughout the game.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the Hornets will travel to Chicago to face the Bulls on Friday, hoping to build on their first win in nine games. Meanwhile, the Pacers will be looking to bounce back as they head to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers the same day.

In conclusion, the Charlotte Hornets overcame a host of injuries and mistakes to secure an important 113-109 victory over the struggling Indiana Pacers. Brandon Miller’s clutch free throws and the team’s strong rebounding performance were key to ending their losing streak.