CHICAGO -- The Indiana Pacers wiped out an early 13-point deficit and outscored the Miami Heat 50-37 in the second half to score a 90-84 victory Tuesday night at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
It was Indiana's 10th win in 12 games and 19th of 22 overall. The Heat, who had a 10-game winning streak earlier this season fell to 16-6. The Pacers now own the best record in the NBA, a full game ahead of the 18-4 Portland Trail Blazers of the Western Conference.
Center Roy Hibbert was the main man for the Pacers with 24 points while Paul George and David West added 17 point apiece. West also had nine rebounds to his credit, helping the Pacers dominate the glass, 43-33.
"I wish we didn't have to rely on the third quarter. We didn't play that well in the first half but we were only down seven. We knew we were going to fight back," Hibbert told NBA.com.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 34 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists but the Heat duo missed 18 of their combined 30 field goals, Chris Bosh finished with a quiet 12 points and Chris "Birdman" Andersen had 10.
The Heat made just 33 of 77 field goals. They missed 17 of 21 threes and also flubbed 6 of 20 free throws.
Heat head coach Frank Vogel downplayed the victory, telling reporters in his postgame press conference, "the term 'statement win' is for you guys (media) to talk about, not for me to talk about." (Homer D. Sayson)
Photo: Paul George squares up with LeBron James in a battle between East Conference giants Tuesday night at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indy won over Miami, 90-84.
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