Reigning champions Miami Heat moved to top of the Eastern Conference thanks to the Indiana Pacers’ 103-77 home defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
Frenchman Tony Parker’s game-high 22 points inspired San Antonio to their 18th consecutive win – the franchise longest streak – while Indiana (52-23) lost their third straight game, making Miami (50-22) the best team in the East.
The league-leading San Antonio dominated most of the game, outscored the Pacers 42-28 in the paint area, and out-rebounded Indiana 15-7 in the offensive end.
San Antonio moved the ball perfectly well as they were 46 per cent from the field goal, including 18 assists.
Kawhi Leonard poured in 13 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and Boris Diaw contributed 14 points off the bench.
After an impressive start to the season, Indiana dropped out the top of the East for the first time this season.
Paul George sparked Indiana with 16 points, but as the play-offs gets closer, the Pacers simply can’t find offensive options as they finished with 37.7 field goal percentage.
Meanwhile, the Heat climbed to top in the East after holding off the Toronto Raptors 93-83 at home.
LeBron James finished with 32 points, and Chris Bosh contributed 18 for the reigning champions to continue unbeaten in four games against the Raptors this season.
