LOS ANGELES – Two unstoppable forces collided on Wednesday at Staples Center as the Indiana Pacers extended their win-streak to six games, while snapping the Los Angeles Clippers three-game streak 103-91.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Indiana Pacers roared out to a 16-5 lead to start the game before the Clippers were forced to call a timeout. The Clippers closed the quarter on a run of their own however, led by former Pacer Lance Stephenson and the two teams were tied at 29-29 after one.
Stephenson continued his stellar play in the second quarter, scoring a season-high 12 points by halftime as the Clippers went up three heading into the break.
DeAndre Jordan picked up his fourth foul midway through the third quarter, and with no rim protection the Pacers went on a 12-2 run to take a nine-point lead with just over two minutes remaining in the quarter.
The Clippers cut into the lead, but C.J. Miles buried a three at the buzzer and the Pacers went into the final quarter up 72-69.
Indiana opened up the fourth quarter on an 14-1 run and held a 16-point lead before Jordan re-entered into the game. But even Jordan's NBA 1st team all-defense was not enough to stop Paul George who torched the Clips down the streatch and the Pacers closed out the game.
TURNING POINT
DeAndre Jordan picks up fourth foul midway through the third quarter and the Pacers wisely attacked the paint, building a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter before he returned to the game.
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MVP OF THE GAME
Paul George. PG13 scored 31 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals to lead the Pacers.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
Lance Stephenson had his best game in a Clippers uniform against his former team, scoring a season-high 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
TWEET OF THE NIGHT
Really into this app where I can see how stupid I look at Clippers games: pic.twitter.com/6J2z6Jybfz — Melissa Stetten (@MelissaStetten) December 3, 2015
Please share! We love apps that make us look stupid.
PHOTO OF THE NIGHT
Austin Rivers takes it to the hoop for two.
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
"When I was in Indiana, we used to always play one-on-one with each other, to push each other and make each other better so we know each other's games. I was just trying to go out there and compete." -- Lance Stephenson on guarding former friend and teammate Paul George.
NOTES
Chris Paul missed the game with a rib muscle injury and the team announced he would miss Saturday's game against Orlando as well.
J.J. Redick injured his right ankle 17 seconds into the game and did not return.
Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton and singer Ashanti caught the game courtside.
RECORD
Indiana Pacers (12-5, 6-3 on the road) 2nd in Central Division
Los Angeles Clippers (10-9, 8-5 at home) 2nd in Pacific Division
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Pacers continue their four-game road trip as they travel to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Portland Trailblazers on Thursday at 7:00PM PST.
The Clippers complete their six-game home stand on Saturday at Staples Center against the Orlando Magic at 7:30 PM PST.
