Ellis, George lead Pacers past Suns 97-94

Monta Ellis and Paul George led the way for IN with 20 and 19 points, respectively – but once again the Pacers rookies impressed.

Booker also set a Suns rookie record with six three-pointers, breaking a mark shared by Casey Jacobson and Wesley Person.

P.J. Tucker finished the game at power forward, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds and playing a role in the comeback. Guard Brandon Knight had 21 points but has as many turnovers as baskets (eight).

SUNS: F Jon Leuer did not play after feeling back spasms during pre-game warmups…. Phoenix coach Jeff Hornacek is on a short leash due to his team’s collapse and he was irate with the defensive effort after Sunday’s drubbing.

Some wondered whether Booker would be a major contributor as a first-year player, but he’s getting plenty of minutes and showing improvement with more time on the court. “I was much happier with his defense tonight”.

“We made some shots to get a comfortable lead to when they make their run, we were able to still hold them off because we established that in the beginning, ” Ellis said. He was replaced by Mirza Teletovic to start the third quarter, but Teletovic was injured in the third quarter and did not return.

NOTES: Indiana G Glenn Robinson III started in place of George Hill, who missed the game for personal reasons.

Meanwhile, the Suns have lost 13 of their last 14 games and are coming off a horrific 117-87 loss to the Timberwolves.

Neither team are coming into this game with any form to speak of, but the Pacers desperately need this win to get their season back on track as they’ve been well below their best lately. Phoenix allowed an average of 113.4 points over the previous seven games….