Overview
- Ben Sheppard hit two free throws with eight seconds left at Spectrum Center to seal Indiana’s win.
- LaMelo Ball did not start for the first time since his rookie season, with Collin Sexton opening at point guard.
- Ball posted 33 points with seven threes, eight assists and three steals in 27 minutes, a first-of-its-kind bench line per StatMuse.
- The Hornets’ approach followed reporting from The Charlotte Observer’s Rod Boone that the team may adjust Ball’s role in back-to-backs to maximize late-game availability.
- Indiana won despite major absences, including Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles, out for the season) plus Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin and Isaiah Jackson, while Charlotte’s home skid continued.