By Johnnie Clay – Pacers Insider
November 9, 2003 - 9:00 PM
The hottest team in the NBA, the Indiana Pacers tonight used their smothering defense, and great rebounding skills late to defeat the Philadelphia 76'ers this evening 85-74 at the First Union Center.
The Pacers led 43-41 at halftime and appeared to have their four game winning streak in jeopardy after falling behind 59-64 at the end of the third quarter. But that was when Ron Artest and the Pacers defense took charge, holding the Sixers to just 10 fourth quarter points, enroute to their fifth straight victory this season.
The Pacers rallied from the start of the fourth quarter, getting a 3-pointer from Reggie Miller to tie it, then Ron Artest followed with a 3 on the next possession for a 69-66 lead.
The Pacers lead was extended when a flagrant foul was whistled on Sixers' Derrick Coleman. Artest drove down the baseline from the left side and his left arm fully extended when the two collided under the basket.
Artest crashed hard to the floor, holding his face and was down for a few minutes as teammates and coach Rick Carlisle came over. He eventually got up and sank two free throws for a 71-66 lead. Later, he hit another 3 for an 80-70 lead sending the Pacers on their way to victory.
As good as the Pacers defense is, they still had trouble containing the Sixers' Allen Iverson who went 15-30 for 37 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Where as the Sixers rely on just one player to carry the load offensively, the Pacers use a more "team" oriented approach, with everyone contributing.
Three Pacers (Jermaine O'Neal, Ron Artest and Jeff Foster) had 10 rebounds each, giving them an overwhelming edge in that catagory, 45-29. No Sixers' player had more than 6 rebounds for the whole evening.
Ron Artest lead the Pacers with 30 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Jermaine O'Neal had 23 points and 10 rebounds to help spur the Pacers to an 18-4 run at the beginning of the fourth quarter to take control of the game.
Reggie Miller dished out 7 assists, to go along with 8 points for the night. Miller spent his evening chasing Iverson up and down the court. Kenny Anderson continued his strong season with 11 points. And Jeff Foster keeps impressing Coach Carlisle with another solid outing, scoring 6 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists.
The Pacers come home to Conseco Fieldhouse for a playoff rematch against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. The Celtics are an entirely different team than the one that beat the Pacers last May. But you can bet that the Pacers still remember that bitter defeat, and plan to show the Celtics that it's a different team this time around.
Gametime is at 7pm (EST)
Who has the best record in the NBA? Who's that, oh yeah the PACERS!! I know it's early, but we are looking very good. Some emerging guards off the bench (AJ, Freddie), all-star play from 2 players (Ron Artest, JO), and tremendous play from our 6th man, AL Harrington. Hope everyone stays healthy, so the pacers can return to the NBA Finals!
Do the Spurs have the best record in basketball? Hmm NO! Do the Lakers have the best record? NO! How about any team in the West? NO!
Hmm, I guess it's...whoa it's the INDIANA PACERS who have the BEST record right now. Has a nice "ring" to it, don't you think?
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