Watson’s shooting lifts Pacers over Bobcats 99-74

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — C.J. Watson knocked down five 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and finished with 18 points to pace the Indiana Pacers to their fifth straight victory, a 99-74 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Wednesday night.

The Pacers (14-1) came in with the NBA’s best defense and limited the Bobcats to 31 percent shooting.

Watson, who had made just 6 of 29 3-pointers this season, was 6 of 8 against the Bobcats.

Lance Stephenson had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Roy Hibbert added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers. Paul George had 15 points to surpass 3,000 for his career.

Al Jefferson had 16 points and nine rebounds for the Bobcats, who have lost six of their last seven at home.