The Pacers' stars put on a show in the first half of Tuesday night's game in Minnesota as Indiana took a 52-46 lead into halftime at the Target Center.
Paul George, who received his fourth career All-Star selection earlier on Thursday night, scored 16 points in the half on 7-of-9 shooting. Myles Turner, chosen on Wednesday to take part in the Rising Stars Challenge at All-Star Weekend, scored 13 points and collected four rebounds.
Point guard Jeff Teague, himself a former All-Star, scored all 10 of his points in the second quarter and dished out six assists.
After a slow start by both teams, the Pacers surged in front with a 9-0 run in the closing minutes of the first quarter. George knocked down three straight jumpers during that stretch, then drove to the hole and kicked out to Myles Turner for an open 3-pointer that gave Indiana a seven-point lead.
Two free throws by Shabazz Muahammad with 2.2 seconds left in the period made the score 25-20 heading into the second quarter.
After Minnesota tied the game at 35 on Karl-Anthony Towns' layup with 4:38 in the half, Indiana responded with eight unanswered points to move back in front. Teague was the catalyst during that stretch, converting a four-point play and then knocking down another jumper on the next possession.
Indiana remained in front the rest of the half, with George burying a three just before the halftime buzzer to extend the cushion.
Towns lead Minnesota with 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Zach LaVine added 11 points for the Timberwolves.
The Pacers return home on Friday, Jan. 27 to host the Sacramento Kings in a Hickory Night game. Members of the Indianapolis Washington High School state championship teams from 1965 and 1969 will be honored at halftime. Find Tickets » Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana – Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host) Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan – Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host) Away Game Night Special
Flag Hat – $12. Game Night Specials can be purchased online the day of each away game from 10:00 AM – Midnight. Order Online »
