Three takeaways as Indiana Pacers blow 21-point lead in road loss to Charlotte Hornets

The Pacers strong start was not enough on Monday night

It was opposite day for the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Entering the night, the Pacers were the worst first quarter team in the NBA by net rating but had been much better in the other three quarters.

Monday, the blue and gold had the inverse outing. They had an excellent first quarter, stomping the Hornets early, but struggled to maintain that start. It was a strange game for the Pacers, who haven't been good at playing from ahead this season.

After the first 12 minutes, Indiana led 40-22. Center Myles Turner looked unstoppable in the opening frame, scoring 15 points and living at the foul line. The Pacers could do no wrong on either end of the floor and played an excellent quarter.

From that point on, the Pacers oscillated between effective and woeful, with the latter happening more frequently. They led by 21 in the middle of the second quarter, but were up by just eight at halftime. They gave away their lead in the third quarter, but found a way to recapture the advantage entering the final frame.

Despite a crummy performance for two-plus quarters, the Pacers hit a few threes and had a nine-point lead with 5:30 to go. Their second unit, a larger group than normal, was successful, and it looked like the blue and gold had enough of a cushion to finish the game.

Instead, they were outscored 16-2 over the next 4:40. They couldn't make anything and had multiple turnovers. Meanwhile, the Hornets couldn't miss and scored on nearly every possession.

That ended up being the difference, and the Hornets ended up winning 115-109. They pulled off a 21-point comeback to defeat the Pacers, who needed this win for their play-in tournament pursuit.

Indiana fell to 32-40 with the loss. Blowing such a big lead comes with many takeaways for the blue and gold.

---

Turnovers killed the Pacers

The Pacers finished with 21 turnovers in the game, tied for their third-most in any outing this season. They are now 2-4 when they cough up the ball 20+ times in one game.

Every starter had at least two turnovers for the blue and gold while T.J. McConnell had four. Indiana simply did not take care of the ball, and the Hornets took advantage, scoring 35 points off turnovers.

Assistant coach Mike Weinar noted on the Bally Sports Indiana broadcast at halftime that the Pacers had "just a little looseness with the basketball." That never stopped being the case, and it cost the Pacers the game.

Indiana point guard were off

Andrew Nembard and McConnell were the Pacers point guards tonight, and they both had off nights. They were a combined 3/15 from the field and had seven turnovers for the game.

Each one of them had their moments. Nembhard was linking up well with Myles Turner and McConnell finished with eight assists as the engine for the bench units. But in general, the blue and gold needed much more from their lead ball handlers in this game.

Not having Tyrese Haliburton hurts the Pacers, but it hurts more when McConnell and Nembhard have overlapping substandard outings.

Bennedict Mathurin returned from injury

Pacers rookie guard Bennedict Mathurin returned from an ankle sprain in this game after missing just over a week. Indiana went 2-2 in his four-game absence.

The youngster had some moments where it was clear he was working his way back, especially since he played in the starting five for just the seventh time all season. But in general he was very impressive in his return. Mathurin finished with 18 points on 7/10 shooting, three rebounds, and two assists. His scoring did not miss a beat.

The Pacers will need him to continue to play that well if they want to reach a play-in game, if not more. They next take the court on Wednesday when they take on the Raptors in Toronto.

---

• Andrew Nembhard got valuable point guard reps with Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell sidelined. CLICK HERE.
• Indiana Pacers officially acquire a first-round draft pick from Boston as the Celtics clinch a playoff berth. CLICK HERE.
• Jordan Nwora returns to Milwaukee while working to become a more well-rounded player for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• WATCH: Myles Turner throws down a highlight dunk on Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Indiana Pacers beat the Milwaukee Bucks. CLICK HERE.
• Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
• Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers