With LeBron off his game, Pacers top Cavaliers
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-25 15:03

INDIANAPOLIS - Ron Artest scored 21 points and the Indiana Pacers took advantage of LeBron James' shooting problems to rout Cleveland 98-76 on Thursday night, snapping the Cavaliers' winning streak at eight games.

Indiana Pacers' Jamaal Tinsley, left, is defended by Cleveland Cavaliers' Larry Hughes during the second quarter in Indianapolis, Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005. [AP]

James led Cleveland with 19 points and 10 rebounds, but he shot just 6-of-20 from the field. He never found his rhythm with Artest guarding him. James missed his first eight shots and didn't make a field goal until 1:57 left in the first half.

The Pacers (7-3) won their third game in a row while the Cavaliers (9-3) missed the chance to become the first Eastern Conference team to win 10 games.

Indiana held the Cavaliers to 25 percent shooting (9-for-36) in the first half and took a 47-30 lead into the break.

The Pacers extended their lead to 21 points in the third quarter.

Cleveland averaged a league-best 105 points per game coming in, but was held to 38 percent shooting and tied its season low for points.

Indiana played its second consecutive top-notch defensive game. The Pacers held Houston to 74 points on Sunday.

Artest made 6-of-12 shots and grabbed five rebounds.

Sarunas Jasikevicius scored 17 points and made 5-of-6 3-pointers and Jermaine O'Neal added 15 points and nine rebounds for the Pacers.

Drew Gooden scored 16 points and Larry Hughes added 13 for the Cavaliers.