’Threat’ against Pacers delays game; teams will play

At approximately 9;00 p.m. (et), the public announcer at the arena said the game was to begin in 20 minutes.

FSN Reporter Stacy Paetz said the Indiana team was sent back to its bus and left the Palace after a threat was made against the team. The bus has reportedly returned, and the team has entered the arena.

The Michigan State-Duke NCAA Tournament game was being broadcast over the Jumbotron to keep the fans entertained.

Of course, this follows the notorious November 19th game when the Pistons hosted the Pacers at the Palace — a game that had to be stopped after an altercation between players spilled into the stands and turned into a riot.

NBA Commissioner David Stern showed no mercy in the aftermath of the melee, suspending Indiana’s Ron Artest for the remainder of the season for his part in the brawl, in addition to suspending eight other players for their roles.