It was just three weeks ago, but now it seems like a distant era for the Indiana Pacers.

Heading into their game at Dallas on Jan. 12, they were 21-16 and challenging Milwaukee for the Central Division lead. They had won three of their previous four games, with the only loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, and were as healthy as an NBA team can hope to be midway through the season.

 




Tonight, when they face the Mavericks again at Conseco Fieldhouse, the Pacers can only hope that fleeting moment doesn't turn out to be the zenith of their season. They're 25-24, have lost Al Harrington for the season, and might lose Jermaine O'Neal for a third time.