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Saturday, Nov. 13 7:00pm ET
Wizards' extend losing streak to six | |||||
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GAME FLOW
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) --Indiana is making a habit of having a balanced attack. Jalen Rose scored 16 points and was one of seven Pacers to finish in double figures in a 105-83 victory over Washington on Saturday night, extending the Wizards' losing streak to six games. It was the third consecutive game that at least six Pacers finished in double figures. "We know, especially with the rule changes, we're going to have to have balance and find a way to get the easy baskets in transition," Rose said. "A balanced attack keeps everybody involved, keeps everybody excited about their roles." Washington was held scoreless for more than four minutes in the third quarter as Indiana took command with 13 consecutive points to lead 80-50. Mark Jackson's 3-pointer began the run with 6:10 left in the period and his jumper with 2:16 remaining capped the spurt. Wizards reserve Gerard King had career-highs of 20 points and 16 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive end. "It's a struggle right now. We've just got to stay mentally strong. There's a lot of games left, but we can't keep saying that," said King, whose team shot just 37 percent for the game. Washington, which has not won since an opening night victory over Atlanta 94-87, trailed nearly the entire game and lost to the Pacers for the eighth consecutive time. "It doesn't matter who scores points, as long as we keep moving the ball from side to side," Indiana coach Larry Bird said. "We controlled them because we moved the ball, we weren't selfish, and we played good 'D.' " "We're struggling in every area. We're just not starting off the right way," said Mitch Richmond, who had just six points on 2-of-9 from the field. The Wizards trailed 23-15 after one quarter, shooting just 26 percent in the opening period (7-of-27). The Pacers hit 8-of-11 free throws in the opening quarter, while Washington made its only attempt. "We are going to make some changes and it's going to come without starters. We are not an old team, but we still need players to step up," Washington coach Gar Heard said. Al Harrington led Indiana with 10 points in the second quarter that saw the Pacers lead by as many as 14 points. The 6-foot-9 forward, who was used sparingly coming directly out of high school last year, was 5-of-8 from the field in the period which ended with the Pacers leading 54-41. Washington's hopes of a comeback disappeared quickly in the third period. Indiana opened the quarter with six consecutive points, igniting a 21-5 run that ended with a Reggie Miller 3-pointer that gave the Pacers a 65-46 advantage with 7:25 remaining in the period. The Pacers continued to pull away as Washington made just 5-of-21 attempts from the field in the quarter and had six turnovers. The Wizards never produced a serious challenge in the fourth period. Miller and reserve Austin Croshere scored 15 apiece for the Pacers, while Dale Davis and Harrington each added 13. Game notesMiller and Harrington have been in double figures in all six games for Indiana. ... Washington's last victory over the Pacers was on April 16, 1997. ... Indiana is perfect in its new home of Conseco Fieldhouse, winning all three of its games before sellout crowds of 18,345. ... King's previous career highs were 11 points, nine rebounds and three offensive boards. ... Washington's 1-6 start is its worst since the 1996-97 season opened with the same mark. ... Sam Perkins has hit a 3-pointer in four straight games for Indiana. | ALSO SEE NBA Scoreboard Washington Clubhouse Indiana Clubhouse RECAPS Indiana 105 Washington 83
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