Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton led the charge as the Indiana Pacers (39-31) cruised past the short-handed Detroit Pistons (12-57) with a commanding 122-103 victory.
Siakam’s 25 points and eight rebounds, coupled with Haliburton’s 20 points and nine assists, proved too much for the Pistons to handle. Aaron Nesmith contributed 14 points, while TJ McConnell added 13 off the bench.
Despite a strong effort from Cade Cunningham, who notched 23 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, the Pistons faltered in the face of Indiana’s relentless offensive onslaught.
With starters Ausur Thompson and Isaiah Stewart sidelined, the Pistons struggled to contain Indiana’s potent offense, allowing the Pacers to build a commanding lead.
Jaden Ivey added 15 points for Detroit, while Jalen Duren contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Tosan Evbuomwan provided support with 11 points.
Chimeze Metu made his debut for the Pistons, becoming the latest addition to their roster in a season marked by roster turnover.
The Pacers capitalized on Detroit’s injury-depleted lineup, dominating both ends of the floor throughout the game.
As the Pacers maintained their double-digit lead, they were able to rest key players in the fourth quarter.
