Pacers Vs. Lakers: Roy Hibbert And Indiana Steals One In Los Angeles, 95-92

The Indiana Pacers have surprised a lot of people in racing off to a .500 start this early in the season. They started to make waves when they dominated the Miami Heat in Miami last Monday. But nothing they have done this year compares to what they were able to accomplish Sunday night.

Led by much-improved center Roy Hibbert, the Pacers went into Los Angeles and stunned the Lakers 95-92. It's only the Lakers' second loss at home this season, and it didn't look like a fluke like their other home loss to Phoenix earlier this year. Whereas Phoenix shot the lights out, the Pacers simply outplayed the Lakers on both ends of the floor. The win improves the Pacers to 8-7, which is good for fifth place in the East, percentage points ahead of Miami.

Hibbert led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds, completely outplaying all-world center Pau Gasol. His dunk with under 20 seconds left to play put the Pacers up by three. The Lakers had one last chance to tie the game, and it was a good one, as Kobe Bryant ducked behind a Gasol screen and had a wide open look from beyond the arc. Alas, he missed it, and then missed a desperation heave as time expired.

Bryant had 41 points in a vintage performance down the stretch, singlehandily keeping the Lakers in the game. But he didn't have any help. Gasol struggled, scoring just 13 points on 5-15 shooting, and only one other player (Lamar Odom) was in double figures. Danny Granger added 18 for the Pacers, and T.J. Ford made some big plays down the stretch to seal it.