NBA: Indiana 81, New York 76

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INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Paul George led Indiana with 24 points Thursday and the Pacers broke open a close game in the fourth quarter to defeat New York 81-76.

The Knicks had a two-point lead going into the final period, but they managed just two points over the first 7:20 of the quarter. Indiana built as much as a 12-point lead and held on to win its third in a row.

New York has dropped back-to-back games and will try to avoid what would be its first three-game losing streak of the season when it hosts Chicago on Friday.

George added 11 rebounds and five assists. The only other Indiana player in double figures was Ian Mahinmi, who scored 13 points.

The Knicks shot only 34 percent and converted just 4-of-20 from 3-point range. New York was led by J.R. Smith, who scored 25 points off the bench.

New York played without Carmelo Anthony, who served a one-game suspension for confronting Boston's Kevin Garnett after the Knicks lost to the Celtics on Monday.