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George leads Pacers past Heat

Jan 9, 2013 - 5:11 AM Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Paul George recorded a double-double with 29 points and 11 rebounds, as the Indiana Pacers took down the Miami Heat, 87-77, in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference semifinals.

Tuesday's meeting between the two teams was the first since Miami beat Indiana in six games in last season's playoffs.

David West added 14 points and 11 boards for the Pacers, who have won two in a row. Lance Stephenson tallied 13 points.'

"Paul George was sensational, carrying us for a large stretch of the game offensively," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. "He's a young kid, a third-year player, and he's really blossoming in front of our eyes."

Dwyane Wade ended with 30 points for the Heat, who started a six-game road trip on Tuesday. LeBron James donated 22 points and 10 rebounds.

The Pacers held a 20-19 lead following a first quarter that featured eight lead changes and two ties.

Indiana started the second stanza on an 11-3 run. Gerald Green tallied all seven of his points during the surge, including a 3-pointer with 7:14 left to make it a 31-22 contest.

The margin reached 10, 38-28, on West's layup and jumper with 4:34 to go. However, Miami responded with a 14-2 burst to take the lead. Wade scored 10 points during the flurry to give the Heat a 42-40 margin.

Roy Hibbert stopped the run with a jumper, making it a 42-42 contest at the break.

Miami's lead reached seven, 51-44, on Mario Chalmers' 3-pointer with 8:24 remaining in the third quarter.

The Pacers quickly switched the momentum by going on a 23-6 run to end the period. George tallied 10 points during the surge, including back-to-back 3- pointers to give Indiana a 67-57 margin.

Indiana started the fourth on a 10-3 flurry to extend its lead. George bookended the burst with a jumper and 3-pointer to make it a 77-60 game.

Miami never got closer than seven the rest of the way.

"I see him playing with a lot of confidence," James said of George. "The simple fact that Danny Granger is hurt has created the opportunity for him to show what he can do. He's doing everything."

Game Notes

Vogel received a contract extension on Monday ... George made four 3- pointers ... Miami turned the ball over 14 times, leading to 22 Indiana points ... Chris Bosh had 14 points for the Heat.