Magic edge depleted Pacers team 86-83
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-11-21 14:51

Limited to just six players one night after brawling with fans, the Indiana Pacers dropped an 86-83 decision to the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.

Orlando Magic forward Grant Hill, left, puts up a shot against Indiana Pacers forward Austin Croshere (44) and John Edwards during the third quarter in Indianapolis., Saturday, Nov.20, 2004. Orlando won 86-83. Hill finished with a team high 28 points. [AP]

With leading scorers Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson suspended indefinitely by the NBA earlier in the day following an ugly fight with fans Friday night in Detroit, the short-handed Pacers managed to stay close against the Magic.

But Grant Hill made four free throws in the final 12 seconds and finished with 28 points for Orlando.

Fred Jones scored a career best 31 points and rookie David Harrison added 19 for the Pacers.

Artest, O'Neal, Jackson and Detroit's Ben Wallace took part in one of the worst brawls in U.S. sports history.

The league and police were investigating the melee. Artest, O'Neal and Jackson, who threw punches at spectators in the stands or on the court at the end of the Pacers-Pistons game, began serving their suspensions.

Wallace's suspension will start at home Sunday night against Charlotte.

The exact length of the four players' bans could be announced as early as Sunday.

Before the game, the PA announcer reminded fans that anyone throwing objects or going onto the floor would be arrested. Fans responded to the announcement with applause and cheers. As added security, the folding chairs on the players' benches and in the first row surrounding the court were anchored with wire cables.

Indiana stayed close throughout. The Pacers held a four-point lead in the first period and had a 69-67 advantage after two free throws by Austin Croshere four minutes into the fourth quarter.

Hill tied the game and put Orlando in front again after a turnover by Croshere. Harrison tied the game at 71, but Steve Francis and Hill made consecutive baskets and the Magic never surrendered the lead.

Jones, whose previous high was 18 points, pulled the Pacers within 78-75. After a basket by Hill, Indiana's James Jones was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws, cutting the deficit to 80-78 with 38 seconds left.

Kelvin Cato gave Orlando a four-point lead before Harrison's rebound basket pulled the Pacers within two.

Hill hit two free throws, and after a 3-pointer by Fred Jones, Hill made two more free throws to complete the scoring.

Hedo Turkoglu scored 16 points, and Francis added 13 for the Magic.

James Jones had career highs with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Pacers, while Croshere finished with 11 points. Indiana rookie John Edwards played 15 minutes in a reserve role and had two points.

Close

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Hu, Bush commit to healthy, strong relationship         53 killed when Eastern Airlines plane crashes         Hu: Economy to grow about 9% in 2004         Mine fire in Hebei continues; 60 more trapped         Bush pulls top security agent from fracas         China says too soon to loosen yuan's peg	Magic edge depleted Pacers team 86-83       Olympic champion sets new world record       McGrady leads Rockets past Clippers in OT       Four NBA players suspended after ugly brawl       Pacers brawl with fans during Pistons game       Roddick to play Hewitt in Masters semis