The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers, 158-126, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.

The two defensively challenged squads were likely to facilitate an elevated scoring total, but the contest ended up exceeding expectations on that front. That was essentially foreshadowed from the opening tip, and the Hornets (27-22) emerged from the first half with a slim 71-70 lead over the Pacers (17-32). However, Charlotte changed the dynamic of the game for good in the third quarter when they extended their advantage to 19 points, and they would add another 13 during a final period in which they racked up 45 points.

Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 39 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. LaMelo Ball generated a 29-point, 13 assist, 10 rebound triple-double that included one steal and one block. Miles Bridges furnished 22 points, four rebounds and one assist. Terry Rozier supplied 20 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. James Bouknight and Cody Martin posted 13 and 11 points, respectively, while pulling down three rebounds each.

Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson co-led the Pacers with 17 points apiece while recording six and four rebounds, respectively. Lance Stephenson furnished 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Torrey Craig matched Stephenson's scoring total and added three rebounds and two assists. Duane Washington provided 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Chris Duarte netted 11 points, four rebounds and one steal. Caris LeVert and Justin Holiday generated matching 10-point tallies, with LeVert complementing his scoring with five assists and four boards.

The Hornets return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, while the Pacers hit the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night as well.