RECAP
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BOX SCORE
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 GAME FLOW
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Steve Francis and the Houston Rockets came
to life in the second half, stretching their winning streak to four
with their first road victory of the season.
"We didn't move the ball around like we wanted to in the first
half," said Francis, who scored 18 of his 20 points in the second
half.
|  | | Reggie Miller had a tough time defending the Rockets' Steve Francis in the second half. Francis scored 18 os his 20 points after the break. |
Francis also led Houston with nine rebounds and six assists as
the Rockets beat the Indiana Pacers 101-89 Tuesday night.
"We came out in the second half with a lot more intensity,"
Francis said. "We came out aggressive, instead of me looking to
pass, I looked for my shot."
The Rockets had five players in double figures, including
reserve Matt Bullard, who had a season-high 18 points on 7-for-18
shooting from the field, including four 3-pointers. Walt Williams
scored 16, shooting 4-for-5 from 3-point range.
"They left me open and guys got the ball to me," Bullard said.
"I was hoping the game would go another quarter. It feels great to
be able to contribute. Being a bench player, I don't always have
that opportunity."
Reggie Miller, who had scored 30 or more points in three
consecutive games, led Indiana with 28 points.
Houston, which had lost four previous road games, overcame a
44-37 halftime deficit in the third period and pulled away by
making five consecutive baskets in the final six minutes.
"In the third and fourth quarters we couldn't get their guards
under control and couldn't defend the screen and roll," Indiana
coach Isiah Thomas said. "Give them credit, they made some tough
shots."
A dunk by Zan Tabak, who had 12 points and 11 rebounds, left
Indiana trailing 82-80 with six minutes remaining.
Francis then converted an alley-oop pass from Williams into a
dunk. A hook by Tabak made it 82-80 with 5:22 left. Houston
responded with a 3-pointer by Bullard and jumpers of 22 and 20 feet
by Cuttino Mobley.
Hakeem Olajuwon's jumper and a 3-pointer by Williams capped a
12-point run that put Houston ahead 94-80 with 2:28 remaining.
Indiana never got closer than 11 points.
The Rockets shot 63 percent in the fourth quarter, shooting
12-for-19 from the field.
"The use of their pick and roll killed us," said Indiana guard
Travis Best, who had 16 points and 10 assists. "We did not adjust.
We did not do anything right on the pick and roll."
It was the third consecutive loss for Indiana, which dropped its
second consecutive game at Conseco Fieldhouse to a Western
Conference team.
The Pacers took their biggest lead of the game, 53-42, with 9:26
left in the third period. The Rockets rallied to tie at 64 and took
the lead for good at 66-65.
There were four lead changes in the first half with Indiana
opening a 44-35 lead as Austin Croshere scored eight consecutive
points, including a pair of 3-pointers. He finished with 14 points
and 11 rebounds.
"They embarrassed us with their pick and rolls. We just didn't
play defense," Croshere said.
Game notes
Indiana's Sam Perkins left the game in the first quarter
with back spasms. ... Jalen Rose missed his 10th consecutive game
with a fractured left wrist. ... With Perkins out and Tabak picking
up three fouls in the opening half, Bruno Sundov was pressed into
service after being activated off the injured list before the game.
Sundov played a career-high nine minutes. ... Miller became the
first player in league history to make 1,900 3-pointers. ...
Bullard brought a 4.1 scoring average into the game.
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NBA Scoreboard
Houston Clubhouse
Indiana Clubhouse
RECAPS
Houston 101
Indiana 89
Portland 104
Washington 94
Cleveland 117
Detroit 98
Seattle 116
Dallas 110
New York 85
Orlando 84
Golden State 89
Chicago 77
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