Hornets Blitz Pacers With 24-2 First-Quarter Run in Blowout Win

Charlotte hits 24 3-pointers in 129-108 victory over struggling Indiana squad

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting the frenetic action of a basketball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the players, the ball, and the court.The Hornets' barrage of 3-pointers overwhelmed the Pacers in a lopsided victory, exposing the stark contrast between Charlotte's playoff push and Indiana's rebuilding efforts.Cleveland Today

The Charlotte Hornets used a blistering 24-2 run in the first quarter to build a big lead and cruise to a 129-108 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Rookie guard Kon Kneuppel led the Hornets with 22 points, while All-Star LaMelo Ball added 18 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. The Pacers were led by forward Pascal Siakam's 30 points, but he left the game in the fourth quarter with a lower back bruise.

Why it matters

The loss drops the Pacers to 18-59, the second-worst record in the NBA, as they continue their rebuilding season. Meanwhile, the Hornets improved to 42-36 and remain in eighth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race, just one game behind the Magic for the seventh seed.

The details

The Hornets' hot shooting from 3-point range was the key to the game, as they hit 24 of 49 attempts from beyond the arc. Rookie Kon Kneuppel led the way with 5 made 3-pointers, while LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and others also contributed multiple 3-pointers. The Pacers struggled to keep up, despite 30 points from Pascal Siakam, and the early 24-2 run proved too much to overcome.

  • The Hornets went on a 24-2 run over a 4 minute, 34 second stretch in the first quarter to take a 31-11 lead.
  • The Pacers recovered somewhat in the second and third quarters but could not make up the early deficit.

The players

Kon Kneuppel

Rookie guard for the Charlotte Hornets who scored 22 points, including 5 made 3-pointers.

LaMelo Ball

All-Star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets who had 18 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Pascal Siakam

All-Star forward for the Indiana Pacers who led his team with 30 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, but left the game in the fourth quarter with a lower back bruise.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Hornets' ability to string 3-pointers together makes them a team capable of overwhelming runs. They hit the Pacers with one in the first quarter that Indiana never quite recovered from.”

— Dustin Dopirak, Author

“Charlotte's 3-point shooting caused the first-quarter barrage and it was also key to making sure none of the Pacers' attempts at a comeback got any momentum.”

— Dustin Dopirak, Author

What’s next

The Pacers' next game is on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, though Pascal Siakam's availability is in question due to the lower back bruise he suffered in this game.

The takeaway

The Hornets' relentless 3-point shooting proved too much for the struggling Pacers, who continue to fight for a better draft position in the NBA lottery. This game highlighted the Hornets' firepower and the Pacers' ongoing rebuilding challenges.