CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 30 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and hit a driving layup with 11.5 seconds left to lift the Indiana Pacers to a 114-112 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, ending a 13-game skid for the Pacers and giving coach Rick Carlisle his 1,000th career victory.
Carlisle’s win streak has been stuck at 999 since his injury-plagued team defeated the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 8. In 24 seasons as an NBA coach, his record improved to 1,000 wins and 891 games.
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TJ McConnell contributed 23 points and 8 assists, and Aaron Nesmith added 16 points.
LaMelo Ball, who came off the bench, scored 7 three-pointers, scored 33 points and 8 assists, leading the Hornets to a second consecutive night of defeat at home.
After Siakam scored to give the Pacers the lead, McConnell stole the ensuing inbounds pass. Ben Sheppard hit one of two free throws to give the Hornets a chance to tie or win with eight seconds left.
However, the game failed when Collin Sexton’s jump shot hit the front rim and the Hornets were unable to get the rebound.
Charlotte lost to the Toronto Raptors 97-96 on Wednesday night on Immanuel Quickley’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer.
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Hornets head coach Charles Lee opted not to start Ball on the second night of a back-to-back, instead using Sexton at point guard. The move is designed to help Ball control wear and tear on his body, given his history of missing games due to ankle issues.
This is Ball’s first substitute appearance since January 30, 2021.
Charlotte player Brandon Miller was ejected at 9:49 of the third quarter after arguing with the referee. He finished with six points.
Next
Pacers: Host Miami on Saturday night.
Hornets: Visit Utah State on Saturday night.
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