INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Brad Miller overcame a rough start and fueled a late surge Friday night, lifting the Indiana Pacers to an 88-83 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Acquired at the trading deadline last season, Miller missed his first nine shots. But his two free throws gave Indiana the lead for good at 75-73 with 6:40 remaining.
The Timberwolves still were within 78-76 after two free throws by Reggie Slater with 4:15 to go. But Miller scored six of his 15 points in an 8-0 burst that gave the Pacers an 86-76 advantage with 1:39 left.
Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Mercer scored 16 points each for Indiana, which played without injured regulars Reggie Miller, Ron Artest and Austin Croshere.
Kevin Garnett scored 21 points and Felipe Lopez added 18 for Minnesota, which played without Wally Szczerbiak, Terrell Brandon, Anthony Peeler and Joe Smith.
Both teams got solid performances from their rookies.
Indiana guard Freddy Jones, a first-round pick, scored 11 points, including a thunderous dunk in the second quarter.
Minnesota guard Igor Rakocevic, a member of the Yugoslavian national team that won the World Championships on this floor, scored nine, including a three-pointer and a strip of Jamaal Tinsley that led to a breakaway layup.
