Some solid play on the defensive end kept the Charlotte Hornets afloat in their Summer League opener on Friday evening, but the offense never found a groove in a 96-84 loss to the Indiana Pacers out in Las Vegas, NV.
Rookie Bryce McGowens led Charlotte with a team-high 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting, six rebounds and five assists, while reserve LJ Figueroa was right behind him in the scoring department with 16 points on a perfect 6-of-6 from the field. Nick Richards (15 points and 11 rebounds) and Kai Jones (12 points) also finished in double figures.
A 13-0 first-quarter Indiana run put the Hornets in an early 25-11 hole, before the latter rallied to get within five by the midway point of the contest.