Sports briefs

NBA

Pacers edge Heat; Hawks fall

Paul George scored 23 points and Roy Hibbert had 21, leading the host Indiana Pacers back from a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit for an 84-83 victory over the Miami Heat last night.

The NBA's best home team ended a two-game losing streak, took a 2-1 lead in the season series against the two-time defending champions and rebuilt a three-game advantage in the race for the Eastern Conference's top seed. Indiana also clinched the Central Division crown. LeBron James scored 38 points, but missed a potential go-ahead three late . . . Gorgui Dieng had 15 points and 15 rebounds and Minnesota dealt slumping Atlanta another costly loss, 107-83. Minnesota scored 32 points off 26 Hawks turnovers and blew the game open in the second half. Paul Millsap had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Atlanta, which has lost four straight . . . Tim Duncan had 29 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, and host San Antonio overcame a fourth-quarter collapse to beat Denver, 108-103, for its 15th straight victory.

NFLBears get pass rusher Allen

The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with Jared Allen on a four-year contract. A person with knowledge of the agreement told The Associated Press that the defensive end will get $15.5 million guaranteed on a deal that could be worth as much as $32 million. The 31-year-old Allen will take over for Julius Peppers, who signed with Green Bay.

Chemo, radiation for Kelly

Doctors treating Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly's cancer now say surgery is not the best option. Kelly's wife, Jill, posted an update online yesterday saying the treatment plan for her husband has changed because the cancer is in areas that surgery cannot eradicate. She says doctors believe chemotherapy and radiation are the best option given the cancer's complexity and aggressiveness.

GOLF

Women to be R & A members?

The Royal & Ancient Golf Club is asking its members to vote in favor of allowing women to join for the first time. A statement from the R & A said the club will vote in September on a motion to admit female members. Pressure has been building on the R & A to change its male-only policy, especially after Augusta National Golf Club last year invited two women to join the home of the Masters.

-- AP