Miller Gets 36, Leads Pacers Past Knicks, 116-93

The Indiana Pacers capitalized on the third-quarter ejection of New York’s John Starks and Reggie Miller’s 36 points to rout the Knicks, 116-93, Tuesday night and stay alive in their best-of-five series.

The Knicks lead the series, 2-1, with Game 4 at Indianapolis Thursday night.

Starks was ejected for butting Miller with 8:42 to play in the third quarter. Miller’s free throws tied the score, 59-59, igniting a streak of 10 consecutive points and a 19-4 spurt. After Starks’ ejection, the Knicks were outscored, 59-34.

Miller made 14 of 22 shots from the field and all six of his free throws.

Detlef Schrempf, limited to 24 points during the first two games, scored 29 for the Pacers, and Rik Smits scored 25. Patrick Ewing led New York with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Starks, a crucial component of the Knicks’ offense, is a volatile player whose temper often undermines his game. After Starks bumped Miller, Ewing and Charles Oakley, in an unusual move, berated their teammate on the court before he walked to the locker room.

Indiana made 14 of 17 shots (82%) in outscoring New York, 38-15, in the third quarter. New York made six of 22 shots.