| |
RECAP
|
BOX SCORE
|
 GAME FLOW
MIAMI (AP) -- The Indiana Pacers now lead the second-place Miami Heat by three games in the Eastern Conference race, and the two teams are heading in opposite directions.
|  | | Reggie Miller, left, dropped 26 points on the Heat. |
Reggie Miller had 26 points to lead Indiana in scoring for the first time in more than a month, and the Pacers closed in on the
Eastern Conference title by beating reeling Miami 105-101 Friday
night.
The Heat dropped their third game in a row, their longest losing
streak since December. Tim Hardaway didn't dress because of inflammation in his left foot, and Alonzo Mourning didn't start
because he overslept and missed the morning shootaround Friday.
Heat coach Pat Riley, who accused his team of quitting in road losses this week to Philadelphia and Detroit, was angered by a report that locker-room tension contributed to the benching of Mourning.
"There was nothing like that," Riley said. "He was remorseful. There was no verbal anything with anybody."
Mourning said he missed the shootaround because the electricity went out at his house and his alarm clock didn't go off.
"Coach makes the rules, and when the rules are broken, you've
got to suffer the consequences," Mourning said. "I broke one of
the rules. I'm human. I make mistakes."
Mourning sat out most of the first quarter and played 32
minutes, scoring 28 points.
With Miami suddenly stumbling, the Pacers increased their
conference lead over the second-place Heat to three games with
three to play.
"Right now we're in the catbird's seat, and that's how we like
it," Miller said.
"The Indiana Pacers have never won an outright conference
championship," teammate Jalen Rose said. "Before the game we
talked about how important it was to the city for us to bring one
home."
The only way the Heat can win the conference is if they sweep
their final three games and the Pacers finish with three
consecutive losses. Miami remains one game ahead of New York in the
Atlantic Division race.
"We still control our destiny in the division," Riley said. "We've got to circle the wagons and regroup."
Miller, who hit nine of 12 shots, led the Pacers in scoring for
the first time since March 12 against Miami. Rose added 22 points,
including 16 in the fourth quarter.
"Reggie hit some big shots down the stretch, and so did
Jalen," coach Larry Bird said. "It was a team effort, and we got
what we came for."
The game was decided from the perimeter. The Heat were 0-for-11
on 3-pointers until Dan Majerle sank one with 10.5 seconds left,
extending their NBA-record streak to 504 consecutive games with at
least one 3-pointer. The last time Miami was shut out on 3-pointers
was Jan. 19, 1994, at Indiana.
Pacers made seven of 13 3-pointers and shot 51 percent overall.
Hardaway, whose status is day-to-day, sat out his second game in
a row. But even without him and Mourning at the outset, the Heat
started quickly and made 18 of their first 23 shots (78 percent).
They shot 65 percent in the first half but trailed 58-55 because
Indiana shot 60 percent.
The Pacers led throughout the second half. Miami closed to 93-87 with 4½ minutes left, but baskets by Miller and Rose gave Indiana a comfortable cushion.
"When Jalen and I both get it going, that's when we're at our best," Miller said. "Tonight we both got it going. We're going to have to be on the same page to be successful in the playoffs."
Game notes
Indiana improved to 8-14 in Miami. ... The Heat had won seven in a row against Central Division teams. ... Some 47 players have made 3-pointers for the Heat during their record streak. ... The Heat fell to 20-1 when they shoot above 50 percent. ... The Pacers have had just 310 shots blocked, the fewest in the NBA.
| |
ALSO SEE
NBA Scoreboard
Indiana Clubhouse
Miami Clubhouse
RECAPS
Boston 106
Chicago 91
Philadelphia 104
Atlanta 92
Orlando 96
New Jersey 88
Indiana 105
Miami 101
Charlotte 109
Milwaukee 106
Toronto 86
New York 71
Dallas 117
Seattle 103
Denver 105
Golden State 97
Phoenix 112
LA Clippers 88
Minnesota 104
Vancouver 94
LA Lakers 121
Sacramento 114
AUDIO/VIDEO
 A frustrated Alonzo Mourning tells the press why he missed practice.
wav: 123 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
Reggie Miller wanted to send a message to Miami.
wav: 139 k
RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6
|
