While not one of their prettiest victories of the season, the Indiana Pacers' 87-80 win over Miami at Conseco Fieldhouse Sunday served a dual purpose.

It reminded them that their advantage over the rest of the Eastern Conference might not be as great as the standings indicate. But it also reminded them why they have an advantage.

The Pacers (54-19) are now one victory, or one Detroit loss, from clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference. With nine games still to play, it's a safe assumption. The more intriguing question is whether they can win five more and set a franchise record for winning percentage, or perhaps get to 60 victories.

True to form, they claim to be focused on nothing more than the next game, which happens to be at Milwaukee on Tuesday.

"The most important thing is that we beat Milwaukee," said Artest, who was wildly inefficient offensively but greatly effective otherwise. "It's a must win over there. Must."