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Philippines, 06 Feb 2025 |
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NBA -- Pacers hold off Thunder, stay No.1 out East By Adeline Deladisma PhilBoxing.com Tue, 15 Apr 2014  INDIANAPOLIS -- Oklahoma City lost its thunder Sunday afternoon here in Indianapolis, falling to the Eastern Conference leading Indiana Pacers, 102-97, before a roaring crowd of 18,165 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The hometown fans have not had much to cheer lately as the Pacers have struggled mightily since the turn of the new year. An April 9 win by the reserves against the anemic Milwaukee Bucks and a loss to the Miami Heat last April 11 served as the backdrop to this game, leaving the faithful to wonder how this one would play out. Thunder forward Kevin Durant, a shoo-in for this year's MVP award, went to work early, scoring 12 in the opening quarter before finishing with a game-high 38. It was a closely fought contest with six lead changes and eight ties in the first half alone. Up 2 at the bend, the Pacers padded their lead to 11 in the fourth quarter before OKC mounted a comeback that knotted the count at 89-89 with 2:45 left to play. But the Pacers held on despite a spirited rally by the Thunder, who drilled two 3s in the final minute. Lance Stephenson's strong play led the Pacers with his fifth triple-double of the season -- 17 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. His efforts were bolstered by Paul George's 21 while veteran David West added 20. Indiana, which played it's last home game this season and hosted a successful Fan Appreciaiton offering, also got a huge boost off the bench from C.J. Watson, who has of late seen more playing minutes. Watson logged 20 points including 4-of-7 from 3-point range. With the huge win, the 55-26 Pacers hold a 1/2 game lead over the 54-26 Heat for the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs that start on April 19. Indy can clinch the top seed with a win in Orlando on April 16, the last day of the regular season. The Thunder have two games left in their schedule and can clinch the 2 seed in the Western Conference with a win against the New Orleans Pelicans or a Los Angeles Clippers loss. (AD) Photo: Thunder forward Serge Ibaka tries to shake off 7-foot-2 Indiana center Roy Hibbert Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis. The Thunder fell, 102-97. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Adeline Deladisma.  |
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