DETROIT, Mich. — The Indiana Pacers defeated the Detroit Pistons 115-109 at the Little Caesars Arena Wednesday night to mark a successful start to their 2024-2025 NBA season.
The Pacers beat the Pistons thanks to a dominant performance by Myles Turner who led the team with 20 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Power forward Pascal Siakim also recorded 19 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
The Pacers trailed 58 to 49 at halftime as the Pistons looked to carry their bright start into the final two quarters.
Indiana managed to swing the momentum of the game in their favor with a little over six minutes remaining in the third quarter as they stormed to a 75-67 lead. Cade Cunningham returned the favor by sinking five of his five shots from the field and scoring 10 of Detroit’s 17 second-half points.
Cunningham continued to cause headaches for Indiana through Wednesday’s encounter, finishing with 28 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
The scores remained tight at the end of the third quarter and each team continued to exchange baskets as Indiana outscored Detroit 33-32 in the quarter.
Tyrese Haliburton struggled to convert 3-pointers for most of the game but managed to score a crucial one with 20.4 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to grant the Pacers a six-point lead.
That play proved to make the final difference as the Pacers held out to get the season off to a winning start.
Tyrese Haliburton ended the game with 15 points, four assists and five rebounds.
The Pacers are on the road again when they take on the New York Knicks on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Pacers then host the Philadelphia 76ers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday for their first home game of the new season at 3:30 p.m.
Rick Carlisle’s men end October with two road games at the Orlando Magic on Oct. 28 and against the reigning NBA champions Boston Celtics on Oct. 30.
