NBA

Artest behaves in win over Magic

Ron Artest ignores boos, avoids scuffles and scores 16 points to help the Pacers to a 90-78 victory.

ORLANDO - Ron Artest expected boos, and he got them. He also handled them well.

Artest was perfectly behaved in his return to the NBA on Wednesday night. He played okay, too, especially considering he missed most of last season.

Artest had 16 points, three rebounds and five assists, and the Indiana Pacers began life without Reggie Miller with a 90-78 victory over the Magic.

"They were nice boos," Artest said with a smile. "They had to do that because they had nothing else to do. I am not paying attention."

Artest started 1-of-7 from the field, but shook off the rust in the second half and led the Pacers to victory with several big plays and strong defense. He finished 4-of-14 from the floor and 6-of-9 from the line.

"This is going to be a process for him," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "I would think it's going to be 20 to 30 games before he really starts to feel comfortable."

Artest converted a three-point play and made two 3-pointers - all in a two-minute span late in the third quarter - that helped Indiana build an 11-point lead.

All eyes were on Artest from the start. He was loudly booed during pregame introductions and again every time his name was called. But he showed no reaction.

"Ron Artest is a guy that's used to getting a lot of attention, so this is not a big deal for him," Carlisle said. "He just goes out and plays, and tonight he played a quality game even though his stats weren't sparkling."

Artest played sound defense - his trademark - and was effective on the break and in halfcourt sets. He also was well behaved.

No brawls. No hard fouls. Not even a verbal jab from the player who will forever linked to the Nov. 19, 2004, brawl between the Pacers and the Detroit Pistons.

The Pacers spoiled the return of Orlando coach Brian Hill.

"I'm just disappointed in not winning the game," Hill said. "Other than that, it was coaching another game. It was good to be back in the building and in the home locker room instead of that (nasty) visiting locker room."

Jermaine O'Neal scored 19 points, Austin Croshere added 16 and the Pacers were 7-of-19 on 3-pointers.

Orlando's Grant Hill did not play. He could miss up to six weeks after having surgery Monday for a sports hernia.

"He's not here, so we can't worry about that," Brian Hill said.

Steve Francis led the Magic with 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

"I think Steve's doing a great job. I couldn't be more pleased," Brian Hill said.

[Last modified November 3, 2005, 01:07:13]