Fast start and hot shooting fuels Pacers' throttling of the Hornets in play-in game

They led the entire way, advance to play in Washington DC on Thursday with the 8-seed on the line.

Doug McDermott made his first four 3s and finished with 21 points in the win. (Photo: PS&E)

The excuse was there to be used. It was there for everyone to see. Late Tuesday morning, Pacers guard Caris LeVert entered the NBA’s healthy & safety protocol, which meant he wouldn’t be available that night against the Hornets in a must-win scenario.

LeVert has be…