National Basketball Association

Paul George's return helps lift Pacers to win in run for playoff spot

Published Apr. 5, 2015 9:04 p.m. ET

foxsports

INDIANAPOLIS -- Paul George's season debut provided a needed boost Sunday as the Pacers put themselves back in the playoff contention with a 112-89 rout over Miami.

George finished with 13 points in 15 minutes -- his first action since breaking his right leg Aug. 1.

Luis Scola scored a season-high 23 points to lead Indiana (34-43) to its second straight win. The Pacers moved into a tie with Miami (34-43) for the No. 9 spot in the East. Both teams trail Boston by one game for the conference's eighth and final playoff spot.

Miami was led by Dwyane Wade with 27 points but lost its fourth in a row.

The Heat took a 58-57 lead midway through the third, but the Pacers finished the quarter on a 20-8 run to make it 77-66. Back-to-back 3-pointers from George early in the fourth sealed it.