Recap Rewind: The Indiana Pacers completed a strong, Western roadie winning three-of-four games and heading home with an overall record of 9-9. The Pacers opened the trip by holding off a furious late charge to beat the Denver Nuggets. Another tight game went the Pacers' way as they made plays down the stretch to beat the Portland Trail Blazers, 95-89. The Pacers couldn’t overcome a career night by Kevin Durant, as they lost to the Seattle SuperSonics, 95-93. The Pacers finished their trip in fine fashion, but grinding out a hard-fought win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Notable News: After sitting out the first two games, Jermaine O’Neal played against Seattle and the L.A. Clippers. After shaking off the rust in Seattle, J.O. finished with 20 points and 15 rebounds against the Clippers... Marquis Daniels left knee flared up in the game at Portland causing him to miss the second half plus the whole game in Seattle. Daniels returned to play against the Clippers... Jamaal Tinsley played through the flu in Seattle, but was fully healthy two days later in L.A. as he scored 29 points and dished out seven assists.
Fast Forward: The Pacers only play two games this week but the quality opponents will present plenty of challenge. On Tuesday, the Phoenix Suns make their annual visit to Conseco Fieldhouse. A Friday roadie at the Orlando Magic completes the week's games for the Pacers as they'll get a chance to see where they stack up against two of the NBA's elite teams.