George's second-half surge helps Pacers defeat Knicks 108-105
INDIANAPOLIS -- Paul George needed a full three quarters to get warmed up Wednesday night.
George missed 10 of his first 15 shots before taking over the game in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of his 27 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 108-105 victory over the New York Knicks.
Kristaps Porzingis missed a 3-point shot that would've given the Knicks the lead with 1.9 seconds remaining. Myles Turner then made one free throw at the other end.
Carmelo Anthony missed a 3-point attempt for the tie at the buzzer from the right wing.
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George, who shot 1 of 9 in the first half, had 10 points in the third quarter and 15 in the fourth. In the fourth quarter, George was 5 of 8 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free throw line. He scored 15 of Indiana's 28 points in the quarter.
George said he imposed his will in the second half.
"I got to my sweet spot, which is in the paint for pull-ups," George said. "Those are confidence boosters when I start in close and work my way out."
New York (24-35) lost for the 13th time in 15 games, but interim coach Kurt Rambis saw some things he liked.
"We got a lot of support from the guys off the bench," Rambis said. "We got a unit out there that brought a lot of energy to the game. Kyle (O'Quinn) in particular did a really good job."
Porzingis led New York with 22 points and Jose Calderon had 20. Calderon made all four of his 3-point attempts. O'Quinn had a season-high 19 points in 16 minutes off the bench.
Turner had 24 points and George Hill added 10 for Indiana (31-26).
Turner made 10 of 20 shots going against Porzingis. Turner said he was surprised he took as many shots as he did.
"Coach wants me to be aggressive and take those shots and I'm not drawing back," Turner said. "Whenever I have guys guarding me I have to start sagging to the basket. That's just the mentality I have to start taking."
The Pacers shot 50.5 percent from the field (46 of 91). The Knicks shot 45.5 percent. New York made a season-high 13 3-point field goals but missed their final five 3-pointers.
New York led 54-52 at halftime and the game was tied at 80 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Knicks led 99-96 following two free throws by Porzingis with 3:52 to play. After Ian Mahinmi had a slam dunk on a pass down the middle, Turner hit a turnaround 6-foot jumper from the right block to put the Pacers on top for good at 100-99 with 3:14 to play.
"We were taking what the defense was giving us, trying to attack the basket," said Pacers coach Frank Vogel. "We're growing as a basketball team. The Knicks came in here and played a good game. They shot the heck out of it."
Monta Ellis had eight points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Pacers. Mahinmi had eight points and seven rebounds.
Reserve Langston Galloway scored 17 points. Anthony scored 14 points on 5-of-20 shooting.
TIP-INS
Knicks: This is the first meeting of the season between the Knicks and the Pacers. The teams will play two more games in April, including the final regular-season game. ... Rambis is 1-4 since taking over as the Knicks' interim coach. ... O'Quinn made a career-high two 3-point field goals Wednesday. He only had made one 3-pointer on the season coming into the game.
Pacers: C.J. Miles did not play because of a strained calf injury. ... Indiana's loss to Miami on Monday in overtime marked the Pacers' seventh overtime game and Indiana is 1-6 in those games. ... Indiana has won seven consecutive regular season home games against the Knicks. The Knicks' last win at Bankers Life Fieldhouse was March 17, 2012.
EIGHT IN A ROW
George has scored 20 points or more in eight games in a row.
UP NEXT
Pacers: Host Charlotte on Friday
