Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton powered the Indiana Pacers past the Detroit Pistons in a 133-119 victory on Wednesday night.
Siakam finished with 37 points on 15-of-21 shooting, while Haliburton added 30 points and eight assists. The duo combined to make 25 of 38 shots, including 8 of 16 from beyond the arc, as Indiana shot 56.8% from the field.
Myles Turner contributed 24 points for the Pacers, who have now won 16 of their last 21 games.
Indiana got off to a red-hot start, scoring 40 points in the first quarter while hitting 16 of 20 shots, including seven 3-pointers. The Pacers led by as many as 20 in the second quarter, but Detroit trimmed the deficit to single digits multiple times in the third.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 32 points and nine assists, while Malik Beasley chipped in 20 points on six 3-pointers.
The Pacers, who started the season 10-15, have climbed up the Eastern Conference standings by winning 10 of 12 this month. Indiana maintained its offensive rhythm, finishing the game with 19 made 3-pointers while holding Detroit to 35.3% shooting from deep.
Cunningham did his best to keep the Pistons in it, but Indiana’s efficient shooting and ball movement proved too much to overcome.
Haliburton controlled the pace with his passing, helping Indiana rack up 28 assists on 46 made field goals. Siakam attacked the rim and knocked down outside shots, showing the offensive versatility Indiana hoped for when acquiring him from Toronto. Turner provided an interior presence, going 4-of-6 from deep and making 10 of 12 free throws.
T.J. McConnell provided a spark for the Pacers’ second unit, scoring 14 points and dishing out three assists.
Aaron Nesmith struggled offensively, missing all four of his shots, but his defense helped limit Detroit’s wings. Detroit’s Tobias Harris scored 19 points but made just one of eight attempts from beyond the arc. Jalen Duren added 14 points and 10 rebounds, while rookie Ausar Thompson scored 10 points in limited minutes.
Beasley’s perimeter shooting gave the Pistons a lift off the bench, but Indiana’s firepower proved overwhelming.
Indiana’s balanced attack saw four players reach double figures while shooting 50% from deep as a team. The Pacers continued their midseason surge, moving to 26-20 on the year and solidifying their playoff positioning.
Detroit, now 23-24, remains competitive despite losing Jaden Ivey to a broken leg earlier this month.
