by Curt Cavin, USA TODAY Sports

INDIANAPOLIS — With Paul George out with the flu, the first 11 field goals bouncing awry and the pesky Charlotte Bobcats jumping to a big lead, the Indiana Pacers did what they’ve done for more than a month.

They settled and recovered.

After an early-season loss to these Bobcats and a 2-6 start, coach Frank Vogel’s Central Division leaders are 23-14. This 96-88 victory Saturday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse was their third win of the week.

“Every road (doesn’t) have a smooth pavement,” Pacers guard George Hill said. “You’re going to have bumps in the road and craters, so we took the dents early, blew a couple of flat tires, but they filled the potholes.

“We’re playing good basketball right now.”

David West notched his first career triple-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. And though the win might not have been easy, it counted in the standings all the same. The Pacers extended their recent run of success to 13 wins in 16 games.

Next up is a road test today against the Brooklyn Nets, one of the most improved teams in the Eastern Conference.

After that, Indiana travels to Charlotte to play the Bobcats, and the rematch figures to be another struggle. The Pacers lost 90-89 in Charlotte in November and spent most of Saturday night fighting them.

Not having George, a legitimate All-Star candidate, was only part of the problem. Despite having the second-fewest wins in the NBA — the Washington Wizards have five — the Bobcats have a strong backcourt with Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson and Ben Gordon. They combined for 49 points and peskiness at every turn.

Indiana’s counter was balance, and there were big numbers everywhere.

In addition to West, Hill had a team-high 19 points. D.J. Augustin, who spent his first four seasons in Charlotte, made four three-pointers on his way to 18 points. Lance Stephenson powered his way inside for a season-high 17 points.

West’s complete game came amid frequent pressure. But he patiently fed the shooters at the perimeter.

Indiana made only one two-point field goal in the second quarter — a 16-foot jumper by West. The other six hoops … [For more on David West posts triple-double as hot Pacers top Bobcats, click here.]