CBSSports.com wire reports
April 9, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — George Hill delivered for the Pacers in his first start for his hometown team.

Hill scored 18 points as Indiana took an early lead and held off the Toronto Raptors, 103-98 on Monday night.

Hill, who was traded from San Antonio for the draft rights of Kawhi Leonard last summer, moved into the starting lineup due to Darren Collison’s groin injury. Hill also had seven rebounds and four assists after entering the game with averages of 8.7 points and 2.9 rebounds.

“It’s fun, you get to go out there and show what you can do as a starter,” Hill said. “Have fun out there with the first unit, which I never have got a chance to play with.

“It just shows if one person goes down, we are a complete team.”

Danny Granger also scored 18 points, Paul George had 15 and Leandro Barbosa added 14 to help the Pacers — third in the Eastern Conference — win for the fourth time in their last five games.

Barbosa played his first game against his former since being traded to Indiana for a second-round pick and cash on March 15. He was scoreless in the first half, but added seven in the third quarter and finished with 14 on 5-for-9 shooting from the field.

“I’ve been pleased with everything he has done since he got here,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. “He has a knack for putting the ball in the basket like few in this league.”

Linas Kleiza scored 18 points — all in the fourth quarter — as the Raptors tried to rally from a 15-point deficit at the start of the period.

“I appreciate the guys’ effort,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. “They came out and fought and didn’t give in. I thought [Kleiza] came in and gave us a lot of juice in the second half.

“The fight was there. They put us in a tough situation with their pressure, but our guys found a way. It wasn’t pretty and again, all we can do is ask for that type of effort.”

Alan Anderson had 13 of his 17 points in the third quarter and Amir Johnson finished with 16 for Toronto. Ed Davis added 11 points and 10 rebounds and Jose Calderon had 14 assists.

After a slow start, the Pacers finished 51 percent from the field (36 for 71). The Raptors were 55 percent (21 of 38) in the second half and finished at 48 percent.

Anderson and Kleiza gave the Raptors a chance in the second half. Kleiza scored 10 points as Toronto had a 17-4 run over the first 5:14 of the fourth to pull the Raptors to 81-79. However, the Pacers responded with a 14-6 spurt to increase the lead to 10 points with 1:43 to go.

Calderon had a 3 and Kleiza made two free throws to pull the Raptors to 95-90, but Hill made a 3 with 33.9 seconds remaining to seal the Pacers’ win.

The Pacers play six of their final nine games at home, including the last four. Five of those are against playoff contenders: two against both the Bucks and 76ers, and the season finale against the Bulls, who hold the league’s best record. The Pacers are in the mix for home-court advantage with three other teams — Boston, Atlanta and Orlando — that have between 33 and 35 wins.

“We cannot take none of the games for granted,” Hill said. “Third place through eighth place is so close, so every game has meaning.

“Luckily for us, most of them are at home. We have to protect our court.”

Hill scored five points and Granger had four as the Pacers closed the first quarter with 13-6 run to take a 21-16 lead. Dahntay Jones and A.J. Price hit 3s and Lou Amundson had an alley-oop dunk as Indiana scored the first eight points of the second to stretch the lead to 13.

Hill’s jumper at the buzzer gave Indiana a 51-37 lead at halftime.

Notes

• The Pacers led for the final 45:02 of the game.
• The first quarter got off to a sluggish start as both teams struggled with their shots. Over the first 9 minutes, the Pacers shot 39 percent and the Raptors 27 percent as the score was tied 10-10.

INDIANAPOLIS George Hill delivered for the Pacers in his first start for his hometown team.

Hill scored 18 points as Indiana took an early lead and held off the Toronto Raptors, 103-98 on Monday night.

Hill, who was traded from San Antonio for the draft rights of Kawhi Leonard last summer, moved into the starting lineup due to Darren Collison’s groin injury. Hill also had seven rebounds and four assists after entering the game with averages of 8.7 points and 2.9 rebounds.

“It’s fun, you get to go out there and show what you can do as a starter,” Hill said. “Have fun out there with the first unit, which I never have got a chance to play with.

“It just shows if one person goes down, we are a complete team.”

Danny Granger also scored 18 points, Paul George had 15 and Leandro Barbosa added 14 to help the Pacers — third in the Eastern Conference — win for the fourth time in their last five games.

Barbosa played his first game against his former since being traded to Indiana for a second-round pick and cash on March 15. He was scoreless in the first half, but added seven in the third quarter and finished with 14 on 5-for-9 shooting from the field.

“I’ve been pleased with everything he has done since he got here,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. “He has a knack for putting the ball in the basket like few in this league.”

Linas Kleiza scored 18 points — all in the fourth quarter — as the Raptors tried to rally from a 15-point deficit at the start of the period.

“I appreciate the guys’ effort,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. “They came out and fought and didn’t give in. I thought (Kleiza) came in and gave us a lot of juice in the second half.

“The fight was there. They put us in a tough situation with their pressure, but our guys found a way. It wasn’t pretty and again, all we can do is ask for that type of effort.”

Alan Anderson had 13 of his 17 points in the third quarter and Amir Johnson finished with 16 for Toronto. Ed Davis added 11 points and 10 rebounds and José Calderón had 14 assists.

After a slow start, the Pacers finished 51 per cent from the field (36 for 71). The Raptors were 55 per cent (21 of 38) in the second half and finished at 48 per cent.

Anderson and Kleiza gave the Raptors a chance in the second half. Kleiza scored 10 points as Toronto had a 17-4 run over the first 5:14 of the fourth to pull the Raptors to 81-79. However, the Pacers responded with a 14-6 spurt to increase the lead to 10 points with 1:43 to go.

Calderon had a 3 and Kleiza made two free throws to pull the Raptors to 95-90, but Hill made a 3 with 33.9 seconds remaining to seal the Pacers’ win.

The Pacers play six of their final nine games at home, including the last four. Five of those are against playoff contenders: two against both the Bucks and 76ers, and the season finale against the Bulls, who hold the league’s best record. The Pacers are in the mix for home-court advantage with three other teams — Boston, Atlanta and Orlando — that have between 33 and 35 wins.

“We cannot take none of the games for granted,” Hill said. “Third place through eighth place is so close, so every game has meaning.

“Luckily for us, most of them are at home. We have to protect our court.”

Hill scored five points and Granger had four as the Pacers closed the first quarter with 13-6 run to take a 21-16 lead. Dahntay Jones and A.J. Price hit 3s and Lou Amundson had an alley-oop dunk as Indiana scored the first eight points of the second to stretch the lead to 13.

Hill’s jumper at the buzzer gave Indiana a 51-37 lead at halftime.

NOTES: The Pacers led for the final 45:02 of the game. … The first quarter got off to a sluggish start as both teams struggled with their shots. Over the first 9 minutes, the Pacers shot 39 per cent and the Raptors 27 per cent as the score was tied 10-10.

The Associated Press

HOUSTON – After a tough loss to San Antonio on Saturday night, the Indiana Pacers were determined to end their short trip to the Lone Star state with a win.

They barely did it, escaping Houston with a 104-102 victory over the Rockets in overtime on Sunday night.

“We needed this win, and now we get to go home,” said Pacers forward Danny Granger, who scored 32 points.

The win keeps Indiana in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and drops Houston to eighth in the West.

The Pacers led by one when Paul George turned the ball over. Courtney Lee grabbed it and looked to have tied the ball up for Houston, but he stumbled trying to wrestle it away from the Pacers and was called for traveling.

“We were tangled up for about 10 seconds and then I was able to rip it away,” Lee said. “I was trying to call a timeout, but my feet didn’t stop moving, I guess, and that’s all they saw.”

Granger made two free throws with 15.7 seconds left in overtime before Chandler Parsons made a layup on the other end to again cut the lead to 1. Darren Collison made the first of two free throws with 10.5 seconds left, and Granger blocked a shot by Parsons at the buzzer to give Indiana the victory.

The Pacers only outrebounded Houston by one in regulation, but dominated the boards in overtime, getting nine while Houston had none. They finished with 54 – the most any team has had against the Rockets this season.

“They did a good job of getting rebounds and second chance points in the first half,” said Indiana’s Roy Hibbert, who grabbed four in overtime. “In overtime we made a concerted emphasis to get rebounds and we were fortunate that we got them.”

Goran Dragic led the Rockets with 22 points, and Lee added 20.

Indiana’s David West, who had 12 points, missed a shot at the buzzer, sending the game it to overtime.

Hibbert finished with 15 points, nine rebounds and a season-high five blocks in about 35 minutes.

THUNDER 92, BULLS 78: In Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook scored 27 points, Kevin Durant added 26 points and 10 rebounds and Oklahoma City used a dominating third quarter to move within a game of Chicago in the race for the NBA’s best record.

The Thunder (40-12) pulled away by outscoring Chicago 31-12 in the third quarter, allowing the Bulls to make only five of their 21 shots.

Oklahoma City clinched a playoff berth in the process, with the help of tiebreakers over the teams fighting for the Western Conference’s final spot in the postseason.

The Bulls (42-12) played without All-Star point guard Derrick Rose for the 10th straight game.

CELTICS 91, HEAT 72: In Boston, Rajon Rondo had a triple-double and Boston handed Miami its biggest loss of the season.

The Celtics outscored the Heat 31-12 in the third quarter, turning a 49-44 halftime lead into an 80-56 advantage.

RAPTORS 99, WIZARDS 92: Andrea Bargnani scored 18 points, Jose Calderon and DeMar DeRozan each had 15 and Toronto picked up its fifth straight home win over Washington. Amir Johnson scored 10 points for the Raptors, who never trailed.

NUGGETS 104, MAGIC 101: In Orlando, Fla., Ty Lawson scored 12 of his 25 points in the second half to lead Denver. The Magic played without center Dwight Howard, who missed his first game of the season with back spasms.

SUNS 92, HORNETS 75: In Phoenix, Jared Dudley scored 15 of his 21 points in the second half to lead Phoenix. The Suns climbed back to .500 and are 1 1/2 games behind Houston for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference.

TRAIL BLAZERS 119, TIMBERWOLVES 106: In Portland, Ore., LaMarcus Aldridge scored 26 points to lead Portland in his return after missing one game with a sore left elbow. Kevin Love had 26 points and nine rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost eight of their last 10 games.

INDIANAPOLIS — Welcome to the spotlight, Indiana Pacers.

While the Dwight Howard contract saga in Orlando, the emergence of Jeremy Lin in New York and team success in Chicago and Miami grabbed attention in the Eastern Conference, Indiana quietly became one of the best teams in the league.

The Pacers needed something bigger than just being steady to awaken the basketball world, and they got the signature win they have sought since the All-Star break, beating the Miami Heat 105-90 on Monday night.

“Our guys had a determination that they weren’t going to be denied tonight,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. “We’re competing at a high level. We’re looking forward to making a serious run at the end of the season and be one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs.”

Danny Granger scored 25 points, Darren Collison scored 20, and Paul George added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, who have won four of five.

“It’s a confidence builder, showing that if we play the right way, believe in each other, play team defense, that we can be one heck of a team,” Pacers guard George Hill said. “Anytime that you get a win like this, you have to build off of it.”

LeBron James had 24 points and nine rebounds, and Dwyane Wade had 24 points and six assists for Miami. The Heat, coming off a 103-87 loss at Oklahoma City on Sunday night, lost by double digits in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

“Sometimes, you go through these spells in an NBA season and it’s a struggle,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Miami committed 17 turnovers.

“Some of the turnovers you can live with,” James said. “We’re attacking, and guys are trying to make a winning play. But some of the ones where you’re just careless, you don’t like those turnovers. I know I had a few careless ones tonight.”

Miami (35-13) lost for the fourth time in eight games overall and is running out of time to catch Chicago (40-10) for the best record in the East. The Heat were outrebounded 49-33 and scored just four fast break points.

The Heat refused to make a big deal about the losses.

“We’re fine,” forward Chris Bosh said. “We’re not even going to remember this a month from now, two months from now. We’ll be playing our best basketball. All we can do is learn from our experiences right now and just try to get back on time and everything will take care of itself.”

The Heat had won the previous three meetings this season, but the Pacers played with confidence throughout. Indiana led by double digits for most of the fourth quarter, and Pacers fans stood and showed their appreciation during the final minute.

The Pacers closed the first half out in style. First, Indiana center Roy Hibbert dunked on James with a minute left in the half, then George hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Pacers a 49-46 lead at the break.

“I knew that the time was closing,” George said. “I just wanted to put it up there and I just got lucky with a prayer. That was a big shot. You go in with momentum off that shot alone. It was very fortunate that I knocked that down.”

A two-handed breakaway jam by Collison early in the third pushed Indiana’s lead to 53-46 and forced Miami to call a timeout. George hit a 3-pointer to push the lead to double digits for the first time. The Pacers held Miami scoreless for the first 3 minutes of the second half.

James scored and was fouled, missed the free throw, tracked down the rebound and made a jumper to cut Indiana’s lead to 59-55. Wade followed with a 3-pointer, and suddenly, Indiana’s 10-point lead was down to one.

But the Pacers responded quickly. Hibbert stuffed James, and Granger hit a jumper at the other end to give Indiana a 67-60 lead and force another Miami timeout. Granger’s three-pointer gave Indiana a 71-60 lead. The Pacers held Miami to 6-for-19 shooting in the third quarter to lead 78-65 at the end of the period.

James rested at the start of the fourth quarter, leaving Wade and Bosh to try to close the gap. But two three’s by Indiana’s Leandro Barbosa early in the period helped the Pacers maintain some distance. A three-point play by Barbosa gave the Pacers an 87-73 edge. Barbosa scored nine points in 98 seconds and forced the Heat to put James back into the game.

Indiana remained comfortably ahead the rest of the way. Granger was fouled on a three-point attempt and made all three free throws to push Indiana’s lead to 99-87 with 4:30 to play.

“We’re trusting each other a lot more, we’re holding each other more accountable, we’re actually out there having fun,” Hill said. “I think in earlier games we weren’t trusting each other, playing selfish basketball, wasn’t playing solid defense, and anytime you do that you’re going to lose against a great team like Miami. We showed them that we can be a great team also, and we’re going to try to be a better team on the court by communicating and playing together.”

CBSSports.com wire reports
March 26, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — Welcome to the spotlight, Indiana Pacers.

While the Dwight Howard contract saga in Orlando, the emergence of Jeremy Lin in New York and team success in Chicago and Miami grabbed attention in the Eastern Conference, Indiana quietly became one of the best teams in the league.

The Pacers needed something bigger than just being steady to awaken the basketball world, and they got the signature win they have sought since the All-Star break, beating the Miami Heat 105-90 on Monday night.

“Our guys had a determination that they weren’t going to be denied tonight,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. “We’re competing at a high level. We’re looking forward to making a serious run at the end of the season and be one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs.”

Danny Granger scored 25 points, Darren Collison scored 20, and Paul George added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, who have won four of five.

“It’s a confidence builder, showing that if we play the right way, believe in each other, play team defense, that we can be one heck of a team,” Pacers guard George Hill said. “Anytime that you get a win like this, you have to build off of it.”

LeBron James had 24 points and nine rebounds, and Dwyane Wade had 24 points and six assists for Miami. The Heat, coming off a 103-87 loss at Oklahoma City on Sunday night, lost by double digits in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

“Sometimes, you go through these spells in an NBA season and it’s a struggle,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Miami committed 17 turnovers.

“Some of the turnovers you can live with,” James said. “We’re attacking, and guys are trying to make a winning play. But some of the ones where you’re just careless, you don’t like those turnovers. I know I had a few careless ones tonight.”

Miami (35-13) lost for the fourth time in eight games overall and is running out of time to catch Chicago (40-10) for the best record in the East. The Heat were outrebounded 49-33 and scored just four fast break points.

The Heat refused to make a big deal about the losses.

“We’re fine,” forward Chris Bosh said. “We’re not even going to remember this a month from now, two months from now. We’ll be playing our best basketball. All we can do is learn from our experiences right now and just try to get back on time and everything will take care of itself.”

The Heat had won the previous three meetings this season, but the Pacers played with confidence throughout. Indiana led by double digits for most of the fourth quarter, and Pacers fans stood and showed their appreciation during the final minute.

The Pacers closed the first half out in style. First, Indiana center Roy Hibbert dunked on James with a minute left in the half, then George hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Pacers a 49-46 lead at the break.

“I knew that the time was closing,” George said. “I just wanted to put it up there and I just got lucky with a prayer. That was a big shot. You go in with momentum off that shot alone. It was very fortunate that I knocked that down.”

A two-handed breakaway jam by Collison early in the third pushed Indiana’s lead to 53-46 and forced Miami to call a timeout. George hit a 3-pointer to push the lead to double digits for the first time. The Pacers held Miami scoreless for the first three minutes of the second half.

James scored and was fouled, missed the free throw, tracked down the rebound and made a jumper to cut Indiana’s lead to 59-55. Wade followed with a 3-pointer, and suddenly, Indiana’s 10-point lead was down to one.

But the Pacers responded quickly. Hibbert stuffed James, and Granger hit a jumper at the other end to give Indiana a 67-60 lead and force another Miami timeout. Granger’s 3-pointer gave Indiana a 71-60 lead. The Pacers held Miami to 6-for-19 shooting in the third quarter to lead 78-65 at the end of the period.

James rested at the start of the fourth quarter, leaving Wade and Bosh to try to close the gap. But two 3s by Indiana’s Leandro Barbosa early in the period helped the Pacers maintain some distance. A three-point play by Barbosa gave the Pacers an 87-73 edge. Barbosa scored nine points in 98 seconds and forced the Heat to put James back into the game.

Indiana remained comfortably ahead the rest of the way. Granger was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws to push Indiana’s lead to 99-87 with 4:30 to play.

“We’re trusting each other a lot more, we’re holding each other more accountable, we’re actually out there having fun,” Hill said. “I think in earlier games we weren’t trusting each other, playing selfish basketball, wasn’t playing solid defense, and anytime you do that you’re going to lose against a great team like Miami. We showed them that we can be a great team also, and we’re going to try to be a better team on the court by communicating and playing together.”

Notes

• Indiana G Dahntay Jones was issued a flagrant foul for hitting James in the head on a shot attempt.
• Pacers F Jeff Foster announced before the game that he would retire because of back issues. The team showed a highlight video of his 13-year career during a break in the action during the second quarter. He received a standing ovation.
• A basket by Indiana F David West in the second quarter was taken off the board minutes later because officials reviewed it and determined that it came after the shot clock went off.
• Wade got his 600th career block in the first half. He had four blocks in the game.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

Welcome to the spotlight, Indiana Pacers.

While the Dwight Howard contract saga in Orlando, the emergence of Jeremy Lin in New York and team success in Chicago and Miami grabbed attention in the Eastern Conference, Indiana quietly became one of the best teams in the league.

The Pacers needed something bigger than just being steady to awaken the basketball world, and they got the signature win they have sought since the All-Star break, beating the Miami Heat 105-90 on Monday night.

”Our guys had a determination that they weren’t going to be denied tonight,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. ”We’re competing at a high level. We’re looking forward to making a serious run at the end of the season and be one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs.”

Danny Granger scored 25 points, Darren Collison scored 20, and Paul George added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, who have won four of five.

”It’s a confidence builder, showing that if we play the right way, believe in each other, play team defense, that we can be one heck of a team,” Pacers guard George Hill said. ”Anytime that you get a win like this, you have to build off of it.”

LeBron James had 24 points and nine rebounds, and Dwyane Wade had 24 points and six assists for Miami. The Heat, coming off a 103-87 loss at Oklahoma City on Sunday night, lost by double digits in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

”Sometimes, you go through these spells in an NBA season and it’s a struggle,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Miami committed 17 turnovers.

”Some of the turnovers you can live with,” James said. ”We’re attacking, and guys are trying to make a winning play. But some of the ones where you’re just careless, you don’t like those turnovers. I know I had a few careless ones tonight.”

Miami (35-13) lost for the fourth time in eight games overall and is running out of time to catch Chicago (40-10) for the best record in the East. The Heat were outrebounded 49-33 and scored just four fast-break points.

The Heat refused to make a big deal about the losses.

”We’re fine,” forward Chris Bosh said. ”We’re not even going to remember this a month from now, two months from now. We’ll be playing our best basketball. All we can do is learn from our experiences right now and just try to get back on time and everything will take care of itself.”

The Heat had won the previous three meetings this season, but the Pacers played with confidence throughout. Indiana led by double digits for most of the fourth quarter, and Pacers fans stood and showed their appreciation during the final minute.

The Pacers closed the first half out in style. First, Indiana center Roy Hibbert dunked on James with a minute left in the half, then George hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Pacers a 49-46 lead at the break.

”I knew that the time was closing,” George said. ”I just wanted to put it up there and I just got lucky with a prayer. That was a big shot. You go in with momentum off that shot alone. It was very fortunate that I knocked that down.”

A two-handed breakaway jam by Collison early in the third pushed Indiana’s lead to 53-46 and forced Miami to call a timeout. George hit a 3-pointer to push the lead to double digits for the first time. The Pacers held Miami scoreless for the first three minutes of the second half.

James scored and was fouled, missed the free throw, tracked down the rebound and made a jumper to cut Indiana’s lead to 59-55. Wade followed with a 3-pointer, and suddenly, Indiana’s 10-point lead was down to one.

But the Pacers responded quickly. Hibbert stuffed James, and Granger hit a jumper at the other end to give Indiana a 67-60 lead and force another Miami timeout. Granger’s 3-pointer gave Indiana a 71-60 lead. The Pacers held Miami to 6-for-19 shooting in the third quarter to lead 78-65 at the end of the period.

James rested at the start of the fourth quarter, leaving Wade and Bosh to try to close the gap. But two 3s by Indiana’s Leandro Barbosa early in the period helped the Pacers maintain some distance. A three-point play by Barbosa gave the Pacers an 87-73 edge. Barbosa scored nine points in 98 seconds and forced the Heat to put James back into the game.

Indiana remained comfortably ahead the rest of the way. Granger was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws to push Indiana’s lead to 99-87 with 4:30 to play.

”We’re trusting each other a lot more, we’re holding each other more accountable, we’re actually out there having fun,” Hill said. ”I think in earlier games we weren’t trusting each other, playing selfish basketball, wasn’t playing solid defense, and anytime you do that you’re going to lose against a great team like Miami. We showed them that we can be a great team also, and we’re going to try to be a better team on the court by communicating and playing together.”

Notes: Indiana G Dahntay Jones was issued a flagrant foul for hitting James in the head on a shot attempt. … Pacers F Jeff Foster announced before the game that he would retire because of back issues. The team showed a highlight video of his 13-year career during a break in the action during the second quarter. He received a standing ovation. … A basket by Indiana F David West in the second quarter was taken off the board minutes later because officials reviewed it and determined that it came after the shot clock went off. … Wade got his 600th career block in the first half. He had four blocks in the game.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Danny Granger scored 25 points to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Miami Heat 105-90 on Monday night.

Darren Collison added 20 points, and Paul George had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, who have won four of five and finally got the signature win they have sought since the All-Star break.

LeBron James had 24 points and nine rebounds, and Dwyane Wade had 24 points and six assists for Miami.

The Heat, coming off a 103-87 loss at Oklahoma City on Sunday night, lost by double digits in back-to-back games for the first time this season. Miami (35-13) lost for the fourth time in eight games overall and is running out of time to catch Chicago (40-10) for the best record in the Eastern Conference.

The Heathad won the previous three meetings this season, but the Pacers played with confidence throughout. Indiana led by double digits for most of the fourth quarter, and Pacers fans stood and showed their appreciation during the final minute.

The Pacers closed the first half out in style. First, Indiana center Roy Hibbert dunked on James with a minute left in the half, then George hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Pacers a 49-46 lead at the break.

James had 16 points and six rebounds in the first half, but his teammates struggled.

A two-handed breakaway jam by Collison early in the third pushed Indiana’s lead to 53-46 and forced Miami to call a timeout. George hit a 3-pointer to push the lead to double digits for the first time. The Pacers held Miami scoreless for the first 3 minutes of the second half.

James scored and was fouled, missed the free throw, tracked down the rebound and made a jumper to cut Indiana’s lead to 59-55. Wade followed with a 3-pointer, and suddenly, Indiana’s 10-point lead was down to one.

But the Pacers responded quickly. Hibbert stuffed James, and Granger hit a jumper at the other end to give Indiana a 67-60 lead and force another Miami timeout. Granger’s 3-pointer gave Indiana a 71-60 lead. The Pacers held Miami to 6-for-19 shooting in the third quarter to lead 78-65 at the end of the period.

James rested at the start of the fourth quarter, leaving Wade and Chris Bosh to try to close the gap. But two 3s by Indiana’s Leandro Barbosa early in the period helped the Pacers maintain some distance. A three-point play by Barbosa gave the Pacers an 87-73 edge. Barbosa scored nine points in 98 seconds and forced the Heatto put James back into the game.

Indiana remained comfortably ahead the rest of the way. Granger was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws to push Indiana’s lead to 99-87 with 4:30 to play.

(© 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

INDIANAPOLIS — Welcome to the spotlight, Indiana Pacers.

While the Dwight Howard contract saga in Orlando, the emergence of Jeremy Lin in New York and team success in Chicago and Miami grabbed attention in the Eastern Conference, Indiana quietly became one of the best teams in the league.

The Pacers needed something bigger than just being steady to awaken the basketball world, and they got the signature win they have sought since the All-Star break, beating the Miami Heat 105-90 on Monday night.

“Our guys had a determination that they weren’t going to be denied tonight,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. “We’re competing at a high level. We’re looking forward to making a serious run at the end of the season and be one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs.”

Danny Granger scored 25 points, Darren Collison scored 20, and Paul George added 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Pacers, who have won four of five.

“It’s a confidence builder, showing that if we play the right way, believe in each other, play team defence, that we can be one heck of a team,” Pacers guard George Hill said. “Anytime that you get a win like this, you have to build off of it.”

LeBron James had 24 points and nine rebounds, and Dwyane Wade had 24 points and six assists for Miami. The Heat, coming off a 103-87 loss at Oklahoma City on Sunday night, lost by double digits in back-to-back games for the first time this season.

“Sometimes, you go through these spells in an NBA season and it’s a struggle,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Miami committed 17 turnovers.

“Some of the turnovers you can live with,” James said. “We’re attacking, and guys are trying to make a winning play. But some of the ones where you’re just careless, you don’t like those turnovers. I know I had a few careless ones tonight.”

Miami (35-13) lost for the fourth time in eight games overall and is running out of time to catch Chicago (40-10) for the best record in the East. The Heat were outrebounded 49-33 and scored just four fast break points.

The Heat refused to make a big deal about the losses.

“We’re fine,” forward Chris Bosh said. “We’re not even going to remember this a month from now, two months from now. We’ll be playing our best basketball. All we can do is learn from our experiences right now and just try to get back on time and everything will take care of itself.”

The Heat had won the previous three meetings this season, but the Pacers played with confidence throughout. Indiana led by double digits for most of the fourth quarter, and Pacers fans stood and showed their appreciation during the final minute.

The Pacers closed the first half out in style. First, Indiana centre Roy Hibbert dunked on James with a minute left in the half, then George hit a half-court shot at the buzzer to give the Pacers a 49-46 lead at the break.

“I knew that the time was closing,” George said. “I just wanted to put it up there and I just got lucky with a prayer. That was a big shot. You go in with momentum off that shot alone. It was very fortunate that I knocked that down.”

A two-handed breakaway jam by Collison early in the third pushed Indiana’s lead to 53-46 and forced Miami to call a timeout. George hit a 3-pointer to push the lead to double digits for the first time. The Pacers held Miami scoreless for the first 3 minutes of the second half.

James scored and was fouled, missed the free throw, tracked down the rebound and made a jumper to cut Indiana’s lead to 59-55. Wade followed with a 3-pointer, and suddenly, Indiana’s 10-point lead was down to one.

But the Pacers responded quickly. Hibbert stuffed James, and Granger hit a jumper at the other end to give Indiana a 67-60 lead and force another Miami timeout. Granger’s 3-pointer gave Indiana a 71-60 lead. The Pacers held Miami to 6-for-19 shooting in the third quarter to lead 78-65 at the end of the period.

James rested at the start of the fourth quarter, leaving Wade and Bosh to try to close the gap. But two 3s by Indiana’s Leandro Barbosa early in the period helped the Pacers maintain some distance. A three-point play by Barbosa gave the Pacers an 87-73 edge. Barbosa scored nine points in 98 seconds and forced the Heat to put James back into the game.

Indiana remained comfortably ahead the rest of the way. Granger was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws to push Indiana’s lead to 99-87 with 4:30 to play.

“We’re trusting each other a lot more, we’re holding each other more accountable, we’re actually out there having fun,” Hill said. “I think in earlier games we weren’t trusting each other, playing selfish basketball, wasn’t playing solid defence, and anytime you do that you’re going to lose against a great team like Miami. We showed them that we can be a great team also, and we’re going to try to be a better team on the court by communicating and playing together.”

Notes: Indiana G Dahntay Jones was issued a flagrant foul for hitting James in the head on a shot attempt. … Pacers F Jeff Foster announced before the game that he would retire because of back issues. The team showed a highlight video of his 13-year career during a break in the action during the second quarter. He received a standing ovation. … A basket by Indiana F David West in the second quarter was taken off the board minutes later because officials reviewed it and determined that it came after the shot clock went off. … Wade got his 600th career block in the first half. He had four blocks in the game.