The Indiana Pacers secured their ninth straight win in the NBA by thrashing the New York Knicks 117-89 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Lance Stephenson posted the best numbers of his career to lead the Pacers, adding 28 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Knicks started the game well, edging one point ahead at the end of the first quarter thanks to 18 points from an early Carmelo Anthony run, but the forward could only add 10 more as the game progressed.
Anthony was the only player to score more than 15 points for the visitors, although Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler both made contributions, while JR Smith had 12 as he returned from being benched, amid reports of a bust-up with head coach Mike Woodson.
Paul George ensured that the hosts took control of the game, helping the team make a strong start to the second half, while Stephenson kept the points coming throughout.
The Pacers extend their lead over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference, while the Knicks currently sit outside the playoff places.
Sian Cowper
