NBA ROUNDUP : Pacers Give Magic Painful Reminder

In their first meeting since last year’s playoffs, the Indiana Pacers showed the Orlando Magic it still has more work to do.

The Pacers, who swept the Magic in three games in last year’s first round, got 27 points and 10 rebounds from Rik Smits and handed the Magic its second consecutive loss, 118-106, on Friday night at Indianapolis.

It was the first time this season that the Magic, with the best record in the Eastern Conference, had lost consecutive games. A 106-103 loss to Seattle on Thursday night ended Orlando’s 24-game home winning streak.

“They were the better team. We played shorthanded,” said Magic Coach Brian Hill, who was without injured starters Horace Grant and Nick Anderson. “They did a good job defensively, and they made their shots.”

Matched against Orlando center Shaquille O’Neal, Smits came out the winner, making 10 of 16 shots. O’Neal, who began the game averaging a league-high 29.9 points, finished with 20 points on seven-of-18 shooting.

“We’re shorthanded with Dale Davis and Antonio Davis out, and I’m just trying to help step in,” said Smits, who is averaging 25.5 points and more than nine rebounds in the last four games. “With Dale out, there are more rebounds for me to get, and the guys are finding me underneath.”

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New York 106, Philadelphia 86--Patrick Ewing had 30 points and 15 rebounds at Philadelphia as the Knicks handed the 76ers their 16th loss in 18 games.

In his 12th consecutive game with double-digit points and rebounds, Ewing made 12 of 14 shots to help the Knicks win for the ninth time in 10 games.

Seattle 121, Atlanta 98--Gary Payton scored 22 points and the SuperSonics made a season-high 13 three-point baskets at Atlanta in their ninth consecutive road victory.

Sam Perkins and Kendall Gill each had 18 points for the SuperSonics, who have won 13 of 15.

San Antonio 114, Dallas 103--David Robinson had 20 points and Dennis Rodman 20 rebounds at Dallas to help the Spurs to their sixth consecutive victory.

Miami 105, Washington 95--Billy Owens matched a career high with 30 points at Landover, Md., as the Heat spoiled Chris Webber’s return to the Bullet lineup.

Webber, back after sitting out 19 games because of a separated shoulder, had 17 points and nine rebounds. Rex Chapman scored 20 points for the Bullets before suffering a broken right thumb in the third quarter. He is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks.

Charlotte 117, Milwaukee 98--Muggsy Bogues scored 23 points at Charlotte to help the Hornets to their fifth consecutive victory.

Portland 112, Minnesota 97--Cliff Robinson scored 22 points for the Trail Blazers at Minneapolis.

Phoenix 110, Chicago 100--Danny Manning scored 30 points to lead the Suns at Phoenix.

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NBA Notes

The Washington Bullets suspended center Kevin Duckworth without pay for failing to stay in good physical condition, General Manager John Nash said. . . . Boston Celtic point guards Sherman Douglas and David Wesley were pulled apart after shoving and swinging at each other during an intense scrimmage.