By Matt Gorry, hornets.com
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The Result
Indiana’s Solomon Hill snagged an offensive rebound and laid it back up to lift the Pacers past the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 88-86, on Nov. 19 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, spoiling Lance Stephenson much-anticipated return to Indiana.
Turning Points
After a back-and-forth fourth quarter, each team had a shot at the win in the final seconds. Coming out of a timeout with 36.5 seconds remaining in an 86-86 ballgame, the Hornets looked for the go-ahead score. Kemba Walker took the inbounds and looked for his second game-winner this season, but lost the handle on the ball. Walker regained control and found Marvin Williams in the corner, who had to rush a fade-away jumper with the shot clock winding down that came up short. After a tough defensive stand, Indiana took advantage of its final chance. Rodney Stuckey ran down the clock before putting up a step-back jumper from the elbow over Lance Stephenson. The shot fell short but Solomon Hill jumped to grab the rebound and scooped it in to just beat the final buzzer.
Inside the Box Score
Strong play in the paint proved to be the difference in the second half as the Pacers outrebounded Charlotte 51-41, including a 14-12 edge on the offensive glass… After a sluggish start, Indiana shot nearly 45 percent (35-of-78), topping the Hornets 43-percent clip… Al Jefferson returned to form in a big way to finish with 28 points and eight rebounds… Kemba Walker added 12 points, seven assists, three boards and two steals… In his return to Indiana, Lance Stephenson just missed out on a triple-double with 10 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two blocks… Marvin Williams knocked down a pair of 3-pointers to finish with eight points and three boards.
Hornets Player of the Game
After seeing his 35-game double-digit scoring streak come to an abrupt end against Dallas the last time on the floor, Al Jefferson did not wait long to start a new streak, hitting double figures in the first half. Big Al finished with a game-high 28 points on 12-of-22 shooting with eight boards, two assists and a blocked shot.
Pacers Player of the Game
Roy Hibbert went toe-to-toe with Big Al in the post, recording a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Game Notes
The Hornets were once again without the services of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (foot) and Gary Neal (concussion) for the third-straight game… After injuring his ankle against the Mavericks, P.J. Hairston sat out… Gerald Henderson earned the start once again but could not duplicate his success from last time out where he poured in a season-high 18 points. Henderson pitched in with a pair of rebounds and an assist… Brian Roberts (nine points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot) led a strong showing from the Charlotte bench… Jason Maxiell added eight point and six boards in 14 minutes… Cody Zeller shot 50 percent (3-of-6) from the floor for seven points… Bismack Biyombo snagged seven rebounds, including three offensive boards, to go with four points.
Next Up
The Hornets return to the Queen City to take on the Orlando Magic on Nov. 21 at Time Warner Cable Arena. The game can be seen on FOX SportSouth or heard on WFNZ or on the official Charlotte Hornets mobile app.