Clippers Are Answer for the Torrid Pacers

Someone had to pay for the Indiana Pacers’ misery, and apparently it was the Clippers.

Two days after setting an NBA record for futility, the Pacers set a club record with 14 three-point baskets--including a perfect six by Chris Mullin--as they beat the Clippers, 128-106, on Tuesday night.

In beating the Clippers for the 11th consecutive time, the Pacers made 11 of their first 14 shots, including a three-for-three performance from three-point range, to take command from the start.

“They just blew us out. It’s as simple as that. They jumped on us early and rode it out,” said Lamond Murray, who led the Clippers with 21 points before being helped off the court in the fourth quarter after injuring his knee.

The Clippers also lost Rodney Rogers because of a contusion on his knee in the third quarter. The extent of their injuries was not known.

On Sunday, the Pacers set a league record for fewest points in a game since the NBA began using a shot clock in 1954 in a 74-55 loss to San Antonio.

“It’s impossible, don’t even try and figure it out,” said Mullin, who led the Pacers with 24 points on eight-for-nine shooting, and set a career high for three-pointers in a season with 90.

The Pacers needed less than seven minutes to top Sunday’s second half total of 21 points. Mullin had two three-pointers, and Reggie Miller and Mark Jackson had one each as the Pacers built a 27-15 lead with 3:53 left in the quarter.

The Clippers never drew closer than nine points again in losing for the sixth time in seven starts.

“They beat us in every way a team can be beat,” said Clipper Coach Bill Fitch, who saw Indiana shoot 64% in the opening period.

Backup forward Maurice Taylor added 20 points for the Clippers.

“Tonight I thought our ball movement was excellent. Guys were spaced out. We found the open man,” Indiana Coach Larry Bird said.

Miller, who returned after a one-game suspension, and Antonio Davis, playing for the injured Rik Smits, added 19 points apiece, and Davis led all rebounders with 13.