Hornets Stay Alive in Playoff Hunt with Franchise-Record Performance

The Charlotte Hornets kept their playoff hopes alive, defeating the Indiana Pacers 129-90 and moving within five games of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Led by center Alonzo Mourning's 23 points and 11 rebounds, Charlotte shot a franchise-record 65 percent from the field, tying a franchise record with 40 assists in the process.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hornets' win marked their team-record 23rd home victory, boosting their chances of making the playoffs.
• The Pacers' loss dropped them into seventh place in the East, a half-game behind Miami.
• Reserve guard Tony Bennett contributed 14 points and a career-high 12 assists for Charlotte, which connected on 51 of 79 field goal attempts.
• Indiana starting center Rik Smits, who missed the previous game due to the flu, played just three minutes off the bench.
• Dell Curry scored 19 points off the bench and Larry Johnson chipped in with 16 for the Hornets.
• Charlotte's victory marked the second win in five games for the team, who have been struggling lately.

Statistics:

• The Hornets shot 65 percent from the field, a franchise record.
• Alonzo Mourning led the team with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
• Tony Bennett recorded a career-high 12 assists.
• Dell Curry scored 19 points off the bench.
• Larry Johnson scored 16 points for the Hornets.
• The Pacers lost for just the second time in six games.
• Reggie Miller led Indiana with 17 points, but was held scoreless in the second half.

Sources:

• United Press International
• AP Wire
• NBA.com