The Indiana Pacers survived the late rally against the Charlotte Hornets 114-112, ending their 13-game skid on Thursday night.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle earned his 1,000th career win in 24 seasons, after being stuck on 999 victories due to having a shorthanded team with injuries.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and made a clutch driving layup with 11.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter, while T.J. McConnell added 23 points and eight assists, and Aaron Nesmith added 16 points.
On the other hand, Hornets’ LaMelo Ball dropped 33 points, eight assists, and made seven three-pointers, but not enough to survive the late rally.
After Siakam converted the basket, McConnell stole the inbound pass, followed by Ben Sheppard, who made one of two free throws, giving Charlotte the ball with a chance to tie or win with 8 seconds left.
Charlotte guard Collin Sexton tried to pull up a jump shot, but fell short, and the Hornets were unable to control the rebound.
Meanwhile, Hornets head coach Charles planned not to start Ball on the second night of a back-to-back, replacing Sexton as the starting guard instead.
The move was designed to help Ball manage his ankle problems.
It is his first time coming off the bench since January 30, 2021.
Hornets forward Brandon Miller was ejected for arguing with officials with 9:49 in the third quarter and finished with just six points.
Both teams will play on Saturday night, as the Pacers host the Heat, while the Hornets will visit the Jazz in Utah.
