RECAP | BOX SCORE | GAME FLOW

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Rik Smits had a season-high 26 points and Indiana made Boston pay for its fouls Tuesday night with a 99-96 victory, extending the Pacers' home winning streak to 16 games.

Indiana was 24-for-30 from the free-throw line, while Boston was 7-for-12.

Antoine Walker led the Celtics with 27 points, but was only 11-of-27 from the field

Boston, which lost to the Pacers in Indiana for the ninth consecutive time, fell behind by 12 early in the third quarter. The Celtics then got back in the game with eight consecutive points, including consecutive jumpers on fast breaks by Kenny Anderson.

There were 10 lead changes in the first three quarters, which ended with Indiana holding a 75-72 lead.

Boston took its final lead at 82-81 on a layup by Vitaly Potapenko. Two free throws by Dale Davis and a tip-in by Sam Perkins gave Indiana an 85-82 lead and the game was tied one last time at 86 on a jumper by Tony Battie.

Jalen Rose, who contributed 20 points to the victory, hit a jumper to give Indiana an 88-86 lead.

Walker missed one of two free throws that would have tied the score at 88 with 4:04 left. The teams then exchanged baskets and Travis Best put Indiana ahead 93-87. Potapenko was called for an offensive foul at the other end.

Potapenko's driving layup made it 93-91 with 1:46 left and he was called for his sixth foul with 1:31 remaining. Smits hit both free throws and Battie then made two free throws for Boston, making the score 95-93 with 38.8 seconds left.

Best sank two free throws for Indiana with 21.2 seconds to play and Paul Pierce gave Boston one last hope by completing a three-point play with 11.6 left, reducing Indiana's lead to 97-96.

After a timeout, Indiana got the ball into the hands of Reggie Miller and he was fouled with 10.3 seconds remaining. Last season's NBA free-throw leader who is second this season, made both shots to cap the victory.

Notes: Indiana hasn't lost at home since falling to Detroit 107-99 on Nov. 25. The Pacers are 19-2 at the new Conseco Fieldhouse and every game has been a sellout. ... Indiana's Derrick McKey, who was activated Tuesday after spending the entire season on the injured list, got into the game with about 20 seconds to play. ... Walker has scored 20 or more points 23 times this season. ... Boston has lost four consecutive road games.