Pacers end Atlanta hoodoo with 89-85 win
Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) has his shot blocked by Atlanta Hawks power forward Elton Brand (42) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, in Atlanta. Indiana won 89-85. AP
ATLANTA — NBA leader Indiana ended its Atlanta hoodoo with an 89-85 win over the Hawks on Tuesday, with the hosts failing to get a single starter in double figures.
The Pacers maintained their lead in the Central Division at a yawning 14 games over nearest rival Chicago, which beat in-form Phoenix.
Indiana’s David West scored 22 points and Paul George added 18 as the Pacers ended a run of 12 successive defeats in Atlanta.
The Hawks led by six points approaching the final minute of the first half but over the next 17 minutes of play they were outscored 38-16.
Atlanta hung in the contest and was within two points with 14.9 seconds left but three converted free throws sealed Indiana’s win.
Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver had nine points apiece for the Hawks, but All-Star forward Paul Millsap went 2 for 11 from the field and finished with just seven.
Chicago ended Phoenix’s run of five-straight victories by winning 101-92, with Carlos Boozer having 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulls shot 45 percent from the field and had five players score in double figures, bouncing back from an ugly 99-70 loss at Sacramento on Monday.
Jimmy Butler and D.J. Augustin had 18 points apiece for the Bulls, who won for the fifth straight time in Phoenix.
Goran Dragic led Phoenix with 24 points.
Charlotte’s Al Jefferson had 30 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Bobcats to a comfortable 91-75 win over Golden State.
Minnesota extended the Los Angeles Lakers’ losing skid to seven games with a 109-99 victory, with Kevin Love having 31 points and 17 rebounds.
