Ellis scores 26 as Pacers beat Spurs 99-91
Monta Ellis scored 26 points (13 in the third quarter), and the Indiana Pacers beat the San Antonio Spurs 99-91.
The Pacers took control with a 19-4 run in the first quarter and led by as many as 16.
The Spurs got within 94-91 on Kawhi Leonard’s driving layup with 19 seconds to play, but Paul George answered with a three-point play, and the Spurs got no closer.
During clutch time, the Pacers outscored the Spurs 9-6. Ellis scored 6 of the Pacers’ 9 on 2 for 3 shooting and 2 for 2 at the line.
George scored 23 points.
For the Spurs, LaMarcus Aldridge had 23 points (16 in the paint) and 12 rebounds. Leonard scored 23 points but went 1 for 7 from 3. Patty Mills scored 17 points off the bench.
The Pacers shot 41.0% from the field and 43.8% from 3 to the Spurs’ 35.4% and 14.3%. The Spurs forced 9 turnovers, about 5 fewer than usual for this many possessions. The Pacers outscored the Spurs 16-4 on the fast break.