Artest, Pacers Prevail

Returning after a nearly season-long suspension and booed often, Ron Artest had 16 points, three rebounds and five assists, and the Indiana Pacers began life without Reggie Miller with a 90-78 win over the Orlando Magic.

“They were nice boos,” Artest said with a smile. “They had to do that because they had nothing else to do. I am not paying attention to it.”

Artest made four of 14 shots but was tough on defense.

“This is going to be a process for him,” Pacer Coach Rick Carlisle said of Artest, suspended for 73 games and the playoffs for his part in the Nov. 19, 2004, brawl at Auburn Hills, Mich. “I would think it’s going to be 20 to 30 games before he really starts to feel comfortable after being off for that long.”

Artest converted a three-point play and made two three-point baskets -- all in a two-minute span late in the third quarter -- that helped Indiana build an 11-point lead.

Jermaine O’Neal had 19 points for Indiana, playing without Miller, who retired in May after 18 seasons with the team.

Steve Francis led Orlando with 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in Brian Hill’s return as Magic coach.