Eastern Conference current sixth best team Indiana Pacers defeated the league and Western Conference third leading club Oklahoma City Thunder with a 101-98 victory at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday night.

The 2007 NBA Most Improved Player Monta Ellis dropped 27 points to help Indiana improve and strengthen its playoff position in the tight East.

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The Pacers are currently 29-25, just a victory ahead of the seventh placer Charlotte (28-26) and eight placer Chicago Bulls (28-26). Detroit Pistons (27-28) and Washington Wizards (25-29) are not so far behind and can still be potential playoff spot contenders.

"It's about us coming out of this All-Star break trying to play the right way, trying to get some wins and trying to turn our season around," Paul George, who finished the evening with a double-double game performance of 22 points and 10 assists, said.

"Where they're (the Thunder) positioned right now, they're in the playoffs. For us, we're hanging on, and we're trying to remain and move up in the standings. So it was more so us playing desperate," the five-year NBA veteran added.

Frenchman center Ian Mahinmi added 19 points, matching his career-high, and grabbed 11 boards, while Rookie Myles Turner chipped in 16 points and a career-high six blocks for the Pacers, who are currently 12-16 on road.

All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook led the Thunder once again, with the duo's 54 combined points. Durant had 31 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assist and 1 block shot, while Westbrook had 23 points,3 rebounds,  2  steals, 1 block shot and a career high 18 assists.

Enes Kanter and Serge Ibaka contributed 13 points and 12 points respectively.

The Thunder led 76-67 going to the final quarter of the game before the Pacers rallied and claimed the victory. Oklahoma City is currently 25-6 at home this season.

The Pacers will be visiting Orlando Magic and the Thunder will be hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday.

TagsIndiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, NBA