INDIANAPOLIS, 27 November 2003 — Ron Artest had 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists to power the Indiana Pacers to an easy 98-75 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA on Tuesday.
The Pacers (12-2) won their sixth straight game as they got double-figure scoring from six players to improve their NBA-best record.
Jermaine O’Neal added 17 points, nine rebounds and six blocks for Indiana, who let a 23-point lead in the third quarter slip to just eight before pulling away late in the game.
Jeff Foster chipped in with 10 points and nine rebounds for the Pacers, who continued their strong start to the season.
The loss ended the Timberwolves’ three-game winning streak. Kevin Garnett had 25 points and 16 rebounds for Minnesota, while Sam Cassell added 25 points and six assists for the T-Wolves.
Heat 91 Hornets 87
In Miami, Eddie Jones scored 25 points to lead the Heat to a 91-87 win over the New Orleans Hornets. Lamar Odom added 19 points for the Heat, who ended a seven-game losing streak at the hands of the Hornets.
Bucks 95 76ers 91
In Milwaukee, Michael Redd scored 26 points to lead the Bucks to a 95-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Joe Smith added 16 points and nine rebounds for Milwaukee, while rookie T.J. Ford had nine assists.
Mavericks 124 Bulls 98
In Dallas, Michael Finley scored 28 points as the Mavericks pounded the Chicago Bulls 124-98 in the Bulls first game under interim coach Pete Myers. Dirk Nowitzki added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Mavericks, winners of four in a row and now 8-0 at home.
Nuggets 110 Suns 80
In Denver, Carmelo Anthony led seven Denver players in double-figures with 17 points as the Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 110-80. Voshon Lenard and Francisco Elson both scored 16 points for the Nuggets, with Elson adding 10 rebounds.
Nets 93 SuperSonics 70
In Seattle, Jason Kidd had a triple-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the New Jersey Nets over the SuperSonics 93-70. Kenyon Martin scored 27 points and had 14 rebounds for New Jersey, which opened a five-game western road trip.
Wizards 81 Trail Blazers 80
In Portland, Larry Hughes scored 22 points, including a layup with 10.4 seconds left, to lead the Washington Wizards to an 81-80 win over the Trail Blazers.
Kings 109 Grizzlies 89
In Sacramento, Peja Stojakovic had 26 points and nine rebounds as the Kings easily handled the Memphis Grizzlies 109-89.
Mike Bibby added 16 points and six assists for the Kings.
