"We have a plan here," Bird said. "The guys I think can get the job done for us are here, we just have to add to that. I know we will at some point... You have to put a team out there that's going to compete every night. We do have holes and we have to fill them to continue what we want to do."

Like many in the organization, Bird is frustrated that the Pacers don't know how to close out opponents. They're just 3-6 in games decided by three points or less this season.

"There's no excuses. We're not as good as we want to be," Bird said. "We're not where we want to be. Losing games down the stretch like we have been is very frustrating."

Part of the problem, according to Bird, is the absence of swingman Mike Dunleavy. Dunleavy has been sidelined all season with bone spurs in his right knee. He just recently started practicing with the team.

"My mind changed a little bit on how we could do because I feel he's our best all-around player," Bird said about Dunleavy. "Obviously, Danny (Granger) is having a great year, but as far as ball movement and hitting guys off the cut and rebounding his position, I thought with him in there we could be pretty darn good.

"But since he's been out we've struggled, especially on the offensive end at the end of games and making plays. We always seem like we're that one basket away. I feel like if Mike was in there, he could create the pass to do it or he could do it."

HORNETS 105, PACERS 103: Forward David West made an off-balance 17-foot jump shot with 2.5 seconds remaining to give the Hornets the come-from-behind victory. Pacers point guard Jarrett Jack's desperation 40-foot shot had no chance as time expired. Forward Danny Granger had a game-high 34 points for the Pacers.