Pistons fall to Pacers in emotional, physical game

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Jan 29, 2025

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INDIANAPOLIS — The last time the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers faced off two weeks ago at Little Caesars Arena, tensions flared, reigniting a longstanding rivalry.

As the Pistons entered Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday for their fourth and final matchup of the season against the Pacers, coach J.B. Bickerstaff emphasized that composure would be the key attribute needed to secure a victory.

"This is going to be a game that's going to be competitive for a bunch of different reasons, but I don't think you would have it any other way," Bickerstaff said. "I think sometimes it is overblown; the NBA is competitive.

"You have 450 guys who every time they step onto the floor they are looking to win. But you have to be able to (control) that and make sure you are using your energy for the best benefit of the team and not getting outside of yourself where it takes away from our focus and what we are trying to do."

After a Pacers 24-8 run, the Pistons did not fulfill Bickerstaff's teaching until midway through the second quarter. Indiana shot 80.0% from the floor while connecting on seven made 3-point field goals in the first quarter.

By the time the Pistons managed their emotions, the Pacers had taken complete control, resulting in a 133-119 Detroit loss. The game marked the end of Detroit's five-game road trip, and their overall record dropped to 23-24.

The Pacers' All-Star pairing of Pascal Siakam (37 points) and Tyrese Haliburton (30 points) set an early tone for the Pacers by scoring a combined 23 points.

Emotions ran high as Detroit picked up three technical fouls within the first 17 minutes. Isaiah Stewart accounted for two and was ejected after receiving a flagrant 2 foul for shoving Pacers big man Thomas Bryant at the 8:45 mark of the second quarter.

Cade Cunningham accounted for the other first-half technical, displaying his frustration after a questionable shooting foul during Siakam's missed layup. This foul occurred during a stretch that saw Indiana extend its lead to 20 (59-39) following Miles Turner's 3-pointer.

The Pistons were called for four technical fouls. During the second half, Bickerstaff and Tim Hardaway Jr. received their technicals.

Ausar Thompson's layup two possessions later helped the Pistons outscore the Pacers 25-15 to end the first half. Although they trailed 74-64 at halftime, Detroit built momentum during the final six minutes of the period, which was crucial for their rally in the third quarter.

Cunningham made a layup, reducing the Pacers' lead to four points (82-86) with 5:40 remaining in the quarter. With 13 of his 32 points coming in the third, Detroit entered the final period down 102-96. In addition to recording his 10th consecutive game of 20 or more points, Cunningham also added nine assists and five rebounds.

Malik Beasley scored 20 points on 6-of-10 3-point shooting, while Tobias Harris recorded 19 points and eight rebounds.

The Pistons trailed by as many as six (111-105) midway through the fourth quarter before the Pacers embarked on a 25-7 run to close the game.

Observations and notes vs. Pacers

— Thompson helps with ball-handling duties: The Pacers deployed a double-team on Cunningham early, leading to the Pistons' sluggish start. However, to adjust to Indiana's defensive strategy, Thompson stepped up as Detroit's secondary playmaker. While it wasn't ideal, Thompson's efforts helped the Pistons get their offense going after the slow beginning.

— Pistons lose four-game regular season series: With their defeat against the Pacers, the Pistons dropped their four-game regular-season series, 3-1.

— A disappointing end: The Pistons' loss to the Pacers ended their season-long five-game road trip with a 2-3 record. The trip once looked promising, with wins against the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks. However, the Pistons will return to Detroit on a three-game losing streak, with additional losses to the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Up next

The Pistons will begin a six-game homestand on Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks. Sunday's game against the Chicago Bulls will mark the first of a back-to-back set that will conclude against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Tipoff between the Pistons and Mavericks is slated for 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.