If you’re an Indiana Pacers fan like I am, then you probably know that point guard Jamaal Tinsley isn’t usually your go-to guy late in games. Sunday would be an exception; Tinsley would score 10 points in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter, enabling the Pacers to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 101-95 at Staples Center.Indiana would start the game hot, scoring 11 straight points and would extend their lead to 18 on a 3-pointer by center Troy Murphy, giving the Pacers a 39-21 lead early in the 2nd quarter. The Clippers would take the lead 51-50 on center Chris Kaman’s free throw with 1,6 seconds left in the first half. Indiana would retake the lead 77-76 at the end of the 3rd quarter, thanks to Danny Granger’s basket at the buzzer.

Los Angeles started an 8-0 run to gain an 88-84 lead with 7:08 left in the game. Indiana’s defense would shut down the Clippers from that point on as Los Angeles wouldn’t score another basket until 6 seconds were remaining in the game. Tinsley would hit a 3-pointer then a basket 44 seconds later that would give Indiana the lead for good; he would drain a 3 at the 1:56 mark to give the Pacers a 96-90 lead. Tinsley would add 2 free throws in the final minute.

Indiana was led by Tinsley with 29 points with 7 rebounds and 7 assists; Jermaine O’Neal, despite a sore shoulder, poured in 20 while grabbing 15 rebounds – not bad for someone who wasn’t expected to play this game. Mike Dunleavy chipped in 17. Los Angeles had 5 players in double-figures, led by Kaman with 22 points and just as impressively – 22 rebounds. Corey Magette added 19 in a losing effort. The Clippers’ loss proved costly; rookie forward Al Thornton, their 1st-round pick, suffered a sprained ankle and left the game just before halftime and would not return. Indiana (9-9), winners of 3 of their past 4, return home to host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Los Angeles (6-9), losers of 5 straight, continue their current homestand as they host the Milwaukee Bucks, also on Tuesday.