MAGIC: 2006 Summer League: Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers 89, Miami Heat 81

The Pacers found the explosive spark seen last night in their 89-62 thrashing of New Jersey, but not until the second half, outscoring the Heat 51 �27 and cruising to their second straight victory 89-81 in the final contest of day four.

Leading the way for Indiana was Jimmie �Snap� Hunter, with 20 points and five assists in the win. After recording only six points in the first three games combined, Taylor Coppenrath had a strong showing pouring in 19 points and leading the team with seven rebounds. Danny Granger chipped in 17 points in his return to summer league play. Leading the Heat was big man Earl Barron with 19 points, who before tonight was averaging 25.7 points a game.

The Heat and the Pacers both came into the contest off wins last night, with 2-1 and 1-2 records respectively. The first quarter saw the Heat dominating the paint on both ends of the floor with 16 points to the Pacers� two and 13 boards to the Pacers� five. This gave the Heat a slight edge heading into the second, 26-22.

The second quarter saw much of the same, with the Heat extending their lead to 16, the last three points coming at the buzzer off a three-pointer from Earl Barron. Barron finished the half leading all scorers with 14 points. The Pacers finished the half shooting 40.7 percent from the field, while the rims graced the Heat with 58.1 percent shooting.

The Pacers came out more focused in the third, cooling the Heat and overcoming a 16-point deficit to snatch the lead for a few moments. A Granger steal leading to a layup with 1:04 left in the third cut the lead to one, 62-63. The Heat were unable to convert on the ensuing possession as Indiana charged down the floor and recaptured the lead, 64-63 after a strong move from Taylor Coppenrath led to two free throws. But, the Heat still went into the fourth period holding a two-point advantage, 66-64.

The Pacers exploded into the fourth quarter and never looked back, cruising to an 89-81 victory, improving their record to 2-2.

- Amanda Norvell

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