Slam Dunk Central

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In a game that featured two teams going in opposite directions, Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest got more than his fair share of attention on Friday, getting lustily booed throughout the game.? Artest was one of 6 Kings who scored in double-digits, leading a balanced scoring attack in defeating the Indiana Pacers 110-104 at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Neither team acquitted itself well in the first quarter, yet the Kings’ Artest made a 3-pointer, enabling Sacramento to gain a 27-22 lead going into the second quarter.? The Kings would go into halftime, holding onto a slim 48-42 lead; Sacramento would lead 63-58 early in the third quarter before going on a 10-3 run, enlarging their advantage to 71-59.? The Kings led 78-69 going into the final period.

Sacramento would add more; a trey then a jumper by Artest?gave the Kings?a 95-80 lead with 5:13 to go in the game.? Indiana responded with a 15-4 run, capped by 2 treys by Danny Granger and 2 baskets by Jeff Foster, reducing the Kings’ lead to 99-97.? Indiana trailed 104-99 when Mike Dunleavy drained a three-pointer with 24 seconds left, making it 104-102 Sacramento; free throws were made by the Kings in the closing seconds of the game, sealing the game for Sacramento.

Sacramento had 6 players in double-digits, led by Mikki Moore with one of his better games this season, scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds; Beno Udrih and Kevin Martin added 20 each, while Artest chipped in 15 from off the bench.? Indiana was led by Danny Granger with 26, while Kareem Rush scored 22; Dunleavy and rarely-used Stephen Graham chipped in 15 apiece.? Sacramento (17-22) returns home to host the New Jersey Nets Tuesday night, while Indiana (18-23) flies to Philadelphia to face the 76ers Monday night.