Granger's 31 points and 16 rebounds lead Pacers to 108-94 win over Warriors

By CLIFF BRUNT , Associated Press

Last update: November 11, 2009 - 8:49 PM

INDIANAPOLIS - Danny Granger scored 31 points and grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Golden State Warriors 108-94 on Wednesday night for their third straight win.

Granger's rebounds were important because forward Troy Murphy, the team's No. 2 rebounder, sat out for the third straight game with a bruised lower back.

Roy Hibbert and Earl Watson each added 16 points for the Pacers. Guard T.J. Ford left the game in first quarter with back spasms and did not return.

Corey Maggette led the Warriors with 21 points, and Anthony Randolph added 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Former Pacer Stephen Jackson scored seven points for the Warriors. He was booed loudly during pregame introductions.

Indiana's defense has been the constant in the win streak. The Pacers have held their past three opponents to 90 points per game.

Granger, who played power forward instead of his usual small forward spot because Murphy was out, attacked the basket more than he had been and broke out of his shooting slump. He shot 12-for-24 after making just 26 of 75 shots his previous four games.

Pacers rookie Tyler Hansbrough had 11 points and eight rebounds in 16 minutes, but he shot just 3 for 12 from the field.

Indiana shot 52 percent and led 64-47 at halftime. Indiana led 79-59 late in the third quarter, but the Warriors ended the third quarter on an 11-5 spurt to cut their deficit to 84-70.

Golden State came within 98-91 on a highlight-reel dunk by Ellis, but the Warriors got no closer.

Notes: Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said Murphy could play Saturday against Boston. ... Other Pacers who missed the game were C Jeff Foster (ankle), G Mike Dunleavy (knee) and G Travis Diener (foot). ... Watson hit a 30-foot jumper at the first-quarter buzzer to give the Pacers a 32-28 lead. ... Hansbrough committed three fouls in the first quarter. ... Granger and Randolph were hit with double technicals after jawing under the basket after free throws by Hansbrough in the fourth quarter.

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