Pacers swingman Mike Dunleavy is getting close to being the player who averaged nearly 20 points a game two seasons ago. He didn't have any problems Saturday when he had 24 points against the Washington Wizards -- including the game-winning free throws with 0.1 seconds left -- in his second set of back-to-back games since returning to the lineup following knee surgery last March. The next test for him will be how he responds during the next six games, which include two sets of back-to-back games. That will give him a good indication of where he's at.
"For the most part, I think I've responded pretty well and we'll just have to see how it goes from here," Dunleavy said. "Around Christmas, I should have a good idea of where I'm at and I'll be able to move up my minutes."
Dunleavy and rookie forward Tyler Hansbrough both recently had their playing time increased to 24 minutes a game.
PACERS 114, WIZARDS 113: Swingman Mike Dunleavy made two free throws with 0.1 seconds to help the Pacers avoid an embarrassing loss after blowing a 17-point lead. Dunleavy, who was playing just his eighth game of the season, had 24 points and five assists in 27 minutes.
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