Ron Artest expected boos, and he got them. He also handled them well.

Artest was perfectly behaved in his return to the NBA on Wednesday night. He played OK, too, especially considering he missed most of last season.

Artest had 16 points, three rebounds and five assists, and the Indiana Pacers began life without Reggie Miller with a 90-78 victory over the Orlando Magic.

"They were nice boos," Artest said with a smile. "They had to do that because they had nothing else to do. I am not paying attention to it."