Paul George finished with 29 points and 11 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers defeated the Miami Heat 87-77 on Tuesday in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference semifinals.

It marked the first game between the teams since Miami beat Indiana in six games in last season's series.

David West had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, who have won two in a row. Lance Stephenson finished with 13 points.

Dwyane Wade scored 30 points for the Heat, who started a six-game road trip on Tuesday. LeBron James finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat who have won three of their past five games.

Miami have played just 14 games on the road this season, one of the lowest totals in the league. They are 7-7 away from South Beach.

It was in the second round of last season's playoffs that the Pacers took the Heat to six games before Miami prevailed, then went on to win the NBA Championship.

Not only did George lead his team in scoring, but he had the assignment of covering James.

Reuters

(China Daily 01/10/2013 page24)