INDIANAPOLIS, April 10 (UPI) -- Jermaine O'Neal scored 17 of his 29 points in a huge first quarter as theIndiana Pacers built a 21-point lead Wednesday night and held on for a 98-82 victory over the Toronto Raptors, who had their franchise-record nine-game winning streak snapped.
Indiana (38-40) snapped a two-game slide and remained very much alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race, which only became further muddled.
Toronto (39-39) lost for the first time since
superstar Vince Carter underwent season-ending knee surgery and remained tied with Milwaukee for seventh place in the East.
One of the three teams will miss the playoffs. Indiana hosts Milwaukee on Friday in another playoff-type game.
Playing in front of a raucous crowd at Conseco Fieldhouse, the Pacers sped to a 37-16 lead after one quarter. O'Neal, an All-Star for the first time this year, wasted no time setting the tone, making 5-of-7 shots and 7-of-8 free throws.
Brad Miller scored eight points and rookie point guard Jamaal Tinsley handed out seven assists as Indiana shot 61 percent (13-of-21) without a turnover in the period. Meanwhile, Toronto made just five shots and committed four turnovers.
O'Neal also had 15 rebounds and two blocks. Miller added 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, who nearly blew the lead but regrouped in the second half and won for just the third time in their last 10 games.
Former Pacer Antonio Davis had 24 points and nine boards for the Raptors, who lost to Indiana for the first time this season and hold the edge should the teams finish with the same record.
