Slam Dunk Central

 The Indiana Pacers found a cure for erasing a six-game losing streak - red-hot shooting.  Indiana shot a tick under 58% from the field, including 48% from beyond the 3-point arc (11-for-23) as they routed the Utah Jazz 117-97 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.  In addition to their hot shooting, they forced the Jazz to commit 20 turnovers.

The Pacers shot 61% during the first half, taking a 65-46 halftime lead, but Utah created an 8-0 run of their own that forced the Pacers to take a timeout less than 2 minutes into the 3rd quarter.  The Jazz further cut into Indiana’s lead on 2 free throws by Utah guard Ronnie Brewer, making the score 69-60 Indiana.  Reserve forward Shawne Williams scored 7 points, including a dunk and a 3-pointer, to ignite an Indiana 19-4 run which built the lead to 88-64.

The Pacers led 95-72 after 3 quarters and were not seriously challenged by Utah thereafter.  Indiana’s leading scorer was G/F Mike Dunleavy with 25 points, with F Danny Granger adding 19 and reserve guard Marquis Daniels pitching in 17 in only 14 minutes of play.  The aforementioned Williams chipped in 16 and 8 rebounds from off the bench, as well. 

Utah was led by F Carlos Boozer with a quiet 19 points and only 4 rebounds, while defensive whiz Andrei Kirilenko chipped in 12 points and 5 blocks.  Jazz point guard Deron Williams slumped tonight, scoring only 8 points while committing 6 turnovers.  Indiana (4-6) do not play again until Tuesday night, when they host the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers while Utah (7-4) returns home to host the New Jersey Nets; they play Monday night.

Stumble it!