Heat assume control of Eastern Conference with win over Pacers

LeBron James scored 36 points to lead the Miami Heat to a 98-86 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday, giving Miami control of the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Mario Chalmers added 13 points and Udonis Haslem had 11 points and nine rebounds for the Heat, who started the second half on a 20-2 run to create some separation.

Paul George scored a team-high 22 points for Indiana, which has four wins in its last 13 contests. David West added 18 points and eight rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter.

The Pacers and the Heat are both at 54 wins, but Miami has a game in hand.