|
Artest behaves perfectly as pacers win
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-03 11:18
ORLANDO, Fla. - Ron Artest behaved perfectly in his return to the NBA on
Wednesday night. He played pretty well, too.
Artest had 16 points, three
rebounds and five assists, and the Indiana Pacers began life without Reggie
Miller with a 90-78 victory over the Orlando Magic.
Artest started 1-of-7 from the field, but he shook off the rust in the second
half and led the Pacers to victory with several big plays and strong defense. He
finished 4-of-14 from the floor and 6-of-9 from the free throw line.
He converted a three-point play and made two 3-pointers — all in a 2-minute
span late in the third quarter — that helped Indiana build an 11-point lead.
The Pacers held on from there and didn't need any clutch shots from Miller,
the face of the franchise who retired in May after 18 seasons.
Artest's return was a much bigger story line.
All eyes were on the forward from the moment he entered TD WaterHouse Centre.
He was loudly booed during pregame introductions and again every time his name
was called. But he showed no reaction — on the bench or on the court.
His play said plenty, though.
He played sound defense — his trademark — and was effective on the break and
in half-court sets. Maybe more importantly, he was well behaved.
|
