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Pacers rally to upset Lakers

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Lakers coach Phil Jackson termed it fortuitous, but for the Indiana Pacers, it was much needed proof that they can finish off games.

Troy Murphy’s improbable tip at the buzzer secured a 118-117 comeback victory Tuesday for the Pacers and left the Lakers stunned.

Trailing by 15 at the end of the third quarter, the Pacers mounted a comeback in which they outscored Los Angeles 32 to 16 and held the Lakers to an anemic 28.6 percent from the field and out rebounded them 17 to 7.

“We did not match their intensity and were lackadaisical in the final quarter,” stated a stoic looking Jackson after the game. “When you allow teams to hang around, plays like that final tip can happen.”

On a night when he had five players in double figures, Pacer coach Jim O’Brien was obviously a happy man. “I am proud of these guys as they have worked hard all year. What a great night to be a Pacer.”

Reigning league MVP Kobe Bryant thought the reasons were obvious. “Offensive rebounds and turnovers” stated Bryant, who sidestepped most of the media contingent, both before and after the game.

“We gave them too many good looks from the three point stripe,” Bryant said.

The Lakers placed six players in double figures led by Bryant with 28. Paul Gasol added 20 and Andrew Bynum contributed 17.

The Pacers had five players in double figures and were led by emerging all star Danny Granger who had a game high 32 points.

T.J. Ford added 21 to go along with 8 assists and just one turnover.

Marquis Daniels, Rasho Nesterovic, and Troy Murphy each had 16 points. Murphy also grabbed a game high 17 rebounds.

The Pacers had little time to savor the victory as they traveled immediately after the game to Boston to face the Celtics on Wednesday night. They will then travel on to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers before returning home Dec. 7th to again face the defending World Champion Boston Celtics at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Notes: The announced attendance for the Los Angeles game was 16,412 and was easily the most vocal crowd of the season.

Kobe Bryant became the second quickest player to 22,00 career points en route to scoring 28 against the Pacers. Only Wilt Chamberlain achieved the feat quicker.

Tickets for upcoming Pacer games are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Conseco Fieldhouse box office that can be reached by calling (317) 917-2727.

Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or Bridgeshd@aol.com.

Danny Bridges
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