The game is 48 mins the last time i checked. If you build a bigger lead BEFORE the 4th qrtr then you won't be in a situation when you can lose. With a bigger lead the Pacers run out of time to make a run and catch up.
Morey has said it a number of times. Good teams don't lose close games, because good teams aren't in close games. The Rockets haven't gotten a single blow out once this year. That's the sign of a team that's playing mediocre basketball.