TORONTO – The Indiana Pacers learned plenty about what it takes to win close games during last seasons playoff loss to Chicago. Now, with David West on their side, theyve got another option for those late-game situations.
Danny Granger scored nine of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Pacers held on to beat the Raptors 90-85 on Wednesday, spoiling Torontos home opener.
Granger hit a key three-pointer with 1:14 left and West followed with a fadeaway jumper to help stave off a Toronto rally. West finished with 14 points.
We have so many weapons down the stretch, Granger said. We have so many options. I think its going to be the mark of us being a good team.
Paul George scored 18 points, and Roy Hibbert had 12 points and 10 rebounds as the Pacers improved to 2-0.
Darren Collison became the fifth Pacers starter to reach double figures by making a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds left. He finished with 10 points and 12 assists.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel has told his team to take inspiration from last seasons Chicago series every time they go away from home this year.
We treat it like a playoff game, quite frankly, Vogel said.
DeMar DeRozan scored 16 of his 22 points in the fourth and Andrea Bargnani finished with 21 for Toronto.
HEAT 96, BOBCATS 95: In Charlotte, N.C., Dwyane Wade hit a bank shot over Gerald Henderson with 2.9 seconds left to lift Miami. LeBron James scored 35 points and Chris Bosh chipped in with 25.
Henderson led the Bobcats with 21 points, while D.J. Augustin had 20.
HAWKS 101, WIZARDS 83: In Atlanta, Joe Johnson led another balanced attack with 18 points to lead the Hawks. Tracy McGrady had 11 points off the bench to join Atlantas five starters in double figures.
Nick Young had 21 points and John Wall added 20 for Washington, which has lost its first two games.
CAVALIERS 105, PISTONS 89: In Auburn Hills, Mich., rookie Kyrie Irving had 14 points and seven assists to help Cleveland spoil Detroits first home opener with new owner Tom Gores.
Reserve Samardo Samuels scored 17 and Ramon Sessions had 16 points off the bench for the Cavaliers.
Detroits Ben Gordon had 25 points and rookie reserve Brandon Knight scored 23.
HORNETS 97, CELTICS 78: Jarrett Jack had 21 points and nine assists in his regular-season debut as New Orleans dominated in its home opener. Former Purdue standout Carl Landry added 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Hornets.
The Celtics are 0-3 for the first time since 2006-07.
THUNDER 98, GRIZZLIES 95: In Memphis, Tenn., Kevin Durant scored 32 points and James Harden added 20 as Oklahoma City remained undefeated. Zach Randolph finished with 24 points for Memphis.
SPURS 115, CLIPPERS 90: In San Antonio, Manu Ginobili scored 24 points and DeJuan Blair added 20 to lead the Spurs. Blake Griffin scored 28 points for the Clippers, while Chris Paul was held to 3-of-10 shooting and finished with 10 points.
Not much else going on in the NBA world today.
