Post-Game Grades: Indiana Pacers Finally Beat the Charlotte Hornets

The Indiana Pacers ended their losing streak to the Charlotte Hornets thanks to a solid all-around effort led by Paul George and Myles Turner.

The Good: The Charlotte Hornets — and it particular Kemba Walker — had the Indiana Pacers’ number over the past two seasons. They were on a four-game winning streak against the Pacers going into Monday night’s matchup.

That streak is no more.

Paul George and Myles Turner combined for 44 points (22 points each) and knocked down shot after shot — and dagger after dagger — to keep the Hornets at bay. To Charlotte’s credit, they had kept the game close on the road, but in the end, the Pacers’ present and future worked away at the Hornets until breaking them in the final minutes.

The Bad: Other than Lavoy Allen’s -14 in the +/- column (happens when you play during the team’s worst stretch in the game) there isn’t much to complain about.

MVP: Myles Turner edged out Paul George for the honors, shooting 9 of 16 from the field, 4 of 7 from 3-point range, and grabbing seven rebounds and four blocks.

Turner also had this 3-pointer that ended the game.

Yes, that was a stepback 3-pointer by a 7-footer.

George was right behind him with 9 of 17 shooting and 3 of 7 from deep.

X-Factor: Glenn Robinson III blended in well with the starters with three points, six rebounds, two assists, and three blocks. With Monta Ellis on the mend and Indiana playing well in his absence so far, coach Nate McMillan might have to pull the trigger on a lineup change.

Right now, the question is in the long-term, can the bench be effective with Monta as the sixth man, or will putting GR3 in the starting lineup only rearrange the furniture?

Let’s keep an eye on that over the next three games, and when Monta returns.