PAUL George came up clutch to help the Indiana Pacers fend off a furious fourth quarter rally from the Utah Jazz and come out on top with a 107-100 victory at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time).
The Pacers took control with an 11-3 run bridging the third and fourth quarters to take a 13-point lead, 86-73, with 10:18 to play. But the Jazz countered with a 9-0 blast before Indiana restored order with a 100-89 advantage with 3:17 left.
Utah, though, refused to quit in unleashing an 8-0 blitz before George took over. The Pacers star hit a three to give Indiana a six-point lead into the final two minutes. Former Pacer George Hill countered with a three-point play but George answered with a dagger of a jumper with 18 seconds remaining as Indiana held on to the win.
Jeff Teague led the Pacers (36-34) with 21 points, including three triples. George finished with 19 markers and eight rebounds. Myles Turner and CJ Miles added 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Gordon Hayward had a career-high 38 points but in a losing effort for the Jazz, who have lost three straight to end a four-game road trip with a 43-28 record. Rudy Gobert and Hill each had 16 markers.