NEW YORK, 21 November 2004 — Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson of the Indiana Pacers charged into the stands and fought with fans, causing an early end to their team’s 97-82 victory over the Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills, Michigan Friday.

The game was stopped by officials with 45.9 seconds left on the clock after players from both teams fought by the scorer’s table, with the pushing and shoving spilling into the stands.

The public address announcer told the crowd the game was being halted and pleaded with fans not to throw objects on to the court, with many spectators having pelted the Indiana players with bottles and other debris as they made their way to the dressing rooms.

The fracas started when Ben Wallace went for a lay-up for Detroit and was fouled hard by Artest. Wallace then pushed Artest in the face, causing the two benches to empty and several players to exchange punches.

Artest was hit by a cup while lying on the scorer’s table and charged into the crowd, with Jackson and several other players also climbing over seats and exchanging punches with fans.

The Pacers eventually ran to their dressing room while being pelted with ice, popcorn and other objects.

The ugly scenes marred a fine display of basketball by the Pacers, who outscored the defending NBA champions 59-43 at the half and held Detroit to 39 percent shooting in the game. Artest notched 24 points to lead the Pacers while Jermaine O’Neal had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Richard Hamilton picked up 20 points for Detroit.

Rasheed Wallace had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Ben Wallace 13 points and 10 rebounds.

In Miami, Dwyane Wade amassed a career-high 39 points, including the game-winning jumper at the buzzer, to push the Heat to a 107-105 overtime win over the Utah Jazz.

It was the first time Miami had beaten a Western Conference opponent in four tries this season.

Shaquille O’Neal added 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Heat before fouling out with 1:19 left in overtime. Eddie Jones chipped in with 17 points. Carlos Boozer recorded 25 points and nine rebounds for the Jazz, who led by nine points in the fourth quarter.

In Toronto, Rashard Lewis scored 27 points as the Seattle SuperSonics won their ninth straight game, 101-94 over the Raptors.

Ray Allen added 24 points as Seattle improved to an NBA-best 9-1.

Vince Carter, subject of numerous trade rumors, had 21 points for the Raptors, who have lost five games in a row.

In Boston, Tim Duncan grabbed 26 points as the San Antonio Spurs overcame the Celtics 92-84. Duncan is 14-0 in games against the Celtics since entering the league in 1997. Manu Ginobili added 21 points for the Spurs while Paul Pierce led Boston with 25.

In Denver, Earl Boykins tied a career-high with 32 points as the Nuggets kept the Chicago Bulls winless with a 99-81 triumph.

Carmelo Anthony added 18 points for the Nuggets. Andres Nocioni had 22 points for the Bulls, who have lost seven straight games to start the season.

In Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki claimed 30 points and 12 rebounds as the shorthanded Mavericks edged the New York Knicks 103-101. Josh Howard had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Mavs, who were without three starters. Jamal Crawford’s 26 points led the Knicks.

In Phoenix, Amare Stoudemire scored 33 points to help the Suns down the Los Angeles Lakers 107-102. Kobe Bryant had a triple-double in a losing cause, 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

In Portland, Damon Stoudamire chalked up 33 points and Zach Randolph added 22 points and 18 rebounds to guide the Trail Blazers to a 110-98 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

In Sacramento, Chris Webber had 31 points and 11 rebounds to rally the Kings to a 107-105 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.