Sports Minute: Here is the latest Indiana sports news from The Associated Press - FOX19.com-Cincinnati News, Weather & Sports

Sports Minute: Here is the latest Indiana sports news from The Associated Press

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Lance Stephenson scored a playoff career-high 25 points and led a late 11-2 run last night, leading the Indiana Pacers past the New York Knicks 106-99. Indiana is going to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2004. The New York native also had 10 rebounds and the Pacers were spurred by the return of point guard George Hill two days after he was diagnosed with a concussion.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana Pacers guard George Hill was cleared to play prior to Saturday night's 106-99 conference finals clinching victory over the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the semifinal. Hill missed Game 5 on Thursday night in New York because of a concussion.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Ed Carpenter knew he was capable of another fast run, and it earned him the pole for the Indianapolis 500. The Indianapolis native bested IndyCar racing's big-name teams by claiming his first 500 pole yesterday during the "Fast Nine" qualifying session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Carpenter's four-lap average of 228.762 miles per hour in the Number 20 Chevrolet held off such marquee outfits as Team Penske and Andretti Autosport.

SAN DIEGO (AP) - The San Diego Chargers have agreed to a 2-year deal with star pass rusher Dwight Freeney that could be worth $13.35 million. The 33-year-old Freeney was Indianapolis' career sacks leader before the Colts decided not to re-sign him in the offseason. The 12th year veteran's sacks totals declined each of the past three years.

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