VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE

S-weep no more for the Indiana Pacers.

They did what they had to do Sunday. In a Conseco Fieldhouse that rocked with noise and passion, the Pacers matched their desperation with determination.

They played with poise, purpose and, on occasion, the requisite anger.

The Pacers were not backing down nor fading away. Not on this night. Not in this place.

“These guys played with heart,” said Coach Larry Bird. “They battled. We did the things necessary to win. We played played hard, played tough and kept grinding it out.”

“Our effort was tremendous,” said Reggie Miller.

Indeed, it was. Indeed, it had to be.

The Pacers proved they could win a game in the NBA finals against the Lakers. They proved that Shaquille O’Neal is, indeed, human, although he still stretches the limits of mortal everywhere on the court but at the free-throw line.

They proved they could expend the energy and effort necessary to cover O’Neal with arms and bodies inside, yet still rush to defend the Lakers’ shooters outside.

They proved the fieldhouse remains a daunting place for opponents. They proved that they cannot only get good shots, but hit them. They proved their bench has more depth than just Austin Croshere.

And they proved that this remains Miller’s house, and that he’s not the big-game bust he was in Game 1 but still can bust out in a big game.

So instead staring up at a 3-0 deficit from which there never has been escape in the NBA playoffs, the Pacers are back in it after Sunday’s 100-91 victory. They are still down 2-1, yes, but there are two more to go in the fieldhouse.

The Lakers, with or without Kobe Bryant--and Sunday they were without him--have been served notice. The Pacers are not rolling over.

Now they are back in it, confidence reinforced. Shaq still can get his--and he went for 33 points--but the Pacers still can get theirs. A victory.

You had a hint things might turn out well when Rik Smits both outscored and outrebounded O’Neal in the first quarter. Also telling was an early three-second call on O’Neal, who maintains dual residences in Los Angeles and the lane.

Dale Davis had six rebounds in the first eight minutes, nine by half, 12 for the game before fouling out while defending O’Neal.

All the elements were there: toughness, timely shooting, tenacity and, in the end, the poise to withstand the Lakers’ last run.

Now all the Pacers have to do is go out and do it again. And again.

And then go back to L.A.