Pacers’ Ride Is Still Rosy

Jalen Rose keeps rolling along, carrying the Indiana Pacers with him.

Rose scored 29 points as Indiana defeated Golden State, 104-88, at Indianapolis on Saturday night, extending the Pacers’ franchise-record home winning streak to 22 games. Rose has averaged 23 points in the last 12 games to help the Pacers to a 10-2 mark.

“This is a welcome addition,” said Reggie Miller, who has led the Pacers in scoring 10 consecutive seasons. “It takes so much pressure off of me, and when he’s going to be struggling, he’s going to be looking at me. It’s a great tandem to play off of.”

Rose didn’t miss a shot in the first half, making seven attempts from the field and three free throws as Indiana pulled ahead to stay. Rose, who has reached 20 points in 11 of his last 12 games, finished 11 for 19 and made all six of his free throws. He has reached double figures in points 23 consecutive games.

“Jalen did a good job in the first half, then he scored some baskets that gave us a bigger lead in the fourth quarter,” Indiana Coach Larry Bird said. “He’s shooting better and he has been more patient on offense.”

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New Jersey 104, Charlotte 93--Keith Van Horn scored 12 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter as the Nets defeated the Hornets at East Rutherford, N.J.

Van Horn, who also had two steals and a block in the fourth quarter, finished with 11 rebounds to help the Nets end a two-game losing streak. Stephon Marbury added 21 points and matched his season-high with 15 assists.

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Miami 98, Washington 88--Alonzo Mourning scored 28 points as the Heat won at Washington to sweep the season series from the Wizards, who have lost nine of 10.

Tim Hardaway added 23 points and Jamal Mashburn had 15 for the Heat, which has defeated the Wizards four times this season and eight in a row overall. First-place Miami increased its lead in the Atlantic Division to one game over idle New York.

With the Wizards holding an 84-81 lead on Chris Whitney’s three-point basket with 6:43 left, Miami went on a decisive 13-2 run.

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Dallas 98, Denver 96--Robert Pack had 22 points and 12 assists and Dennis Rodman picked up another technical foul as the Mavericks defeated the Nuggets at Dallas.

Rodman was called for his fifth technical in six games with the Mavericks in the third quarter after complaining about a foul call. He matched his season high with six points and had 14 rebounds in 35 minutes before fouling out.

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Vancouver 102, Sacramento 90--Shareef Abdur-Rahim had 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Grizzlies overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat the Kings at Vancouver, Canada.

King forward Chris Webber had 36 points on 17-of-33 shooting, but scored only two points in the fourth quarter. Vancouver outscored Sacramento, 52-24, over the final 19 minutes.

Sacramento opened the second half with a 10-2 run to take a 64-48 lead. The Grizzlies rallied with a 21-9 run.