David West: 'Miami Heat bring out the best in us'

David West has said that facing the two-time defending NBA champions brought out the best in the Indiana Pacers.

The Eastern Conference leaders clinched a narrow 84-83 win over the Miami Heat last night, leaving them three wins clear at the top of the conference.

The power forward told reporters: "They're the champs, they're going to bring out the best in us. They bring out the best in anybody. I thought we just had enough fight.

"They're a tough team, psychologically against most teams they have the edge. They've got the best player in the game. Their pedigree, their entire organisation, you understand what you're going to get."

The Pacers play the Washington Wizards tomorrow.