Pacers thump Detroit Pistons to kick off road trip on high note

The Indiana Pacers kicked off a road trip on Wednesday night in Detroit. They took on the Pistons, a team that they had already defeated three times this season. On paper, it was a game Indiana should win. But that hasn't meant much for them this season.

The Pacers have numerous losses against inferior opponents, so they needed to be ready to play in Detroit. The Pistons stunk to start the season and lost nearly 30 games in a row, but they are far more competitive now. It wasn't going to be an easy game for the blue and gold.

Indiana opened up the action with a couple of misses from deep, and they found themselves down 6-2 after a few minutes of play. They were struggling with jumpers again, a theme of late for the blue and gold.

When the Pistons lead reached 10-2, Indiana took a timeout. They were 1/6 from the field early and couldn't get rolling. Head coach Rick Carlisle wanted to talk things over after the slow start.

Pascal Siakam was finding room for the Pacers, and he scored enough to keep their offense moving forward. But in general, the early parts of the game were rough for the blue and gold. They couldn't find space to score and were down 18-11 after six minutes.

Siakam kept rolling, scoring 12 of the Pacers first 15 points. His strong start was vital. The blue and gold were cruising on offense behind his effective play, and they climbed back into the game. With about 2.5 minutes to go in the opening frame, Doug McDermott hit a layup to give the Pacers a 21-20 lead.

After 12 minutes, the Pacers were ahead 29-24. Despite a dismal start, they were the better team early. Siakam's 12 points were important, and his team outscored the hosts 23-10 over the final eight minutes of the period.

The second frame opened with the two teams alternating baskets. Indiana's bench is capable of breaking a game open, but they weren't able to get as many stops as they typically do. After four minutes of second-quarter play, the Pacers were up 37-31.

Even as substitutions began, the basket-trading theme remained. Whichever team was able to string together a few stops in a row first was going to grab important momentum.

That didn't happen, and it was 48-45 in favor of the visitors when a stoppage happened with about four minutes left in the half. It was difficult for either team to find any offensive flow.

Detroit cut their deficit down to one a few moments later. They were climbing back into the game and had a chance to reclaim the lead. When both teams had starters on the floor, the hosts had been better to that point.

That changed in the final minutes of the second period. Aaron Nesmith got rolling for the Pacers, and they started to dominate the game on both ends. Shots were falling, and they strung together a few stops in a row.

Indiana closed the first half on a 12-2 run, and they were up 63-52 at the break. Siakam had 13 points at the time, and Nesmith had 12. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton had eight points, four assists, and three steals. 

The second half started with solid play from the Pacers. They kept their foot on the gas after a strong close to the first two periods, and they were quickly up by 15. The Pistons needed a timeout. Haliburton and Siakam were scoring early in the half.

Indiana continued to dominate the game. Detroit went cold thanks to improved defense from the blue and gold, and the Pacers were scoring with ease against the banged-up Pistons. 

Their lead reached 26 when Detroit took a timeout with 5:14 left in the third quarter. The Pacers were having fun, and they looked hard to beat at the time. Haliburton was up to 18 points and eight assists — he drilled a three-point shot prior to the stoppage.

The visitors continued their excellent play as the quarter wound down. They were still up by more than 20 with about one minute to go, and center Isaiah Jackson stole the ball from Detroit before dribbling it the length of the court for a dunk.

When the third frame ended, the Pacers led 98-78. They were defending well throughout the night, and their offense came alive after their slow start. Siakam and Haliburton had combined for 45 points through three periods.

As the fourth quarter got going, the Pacers big lead remained. They were still up 20 after a few minutes of play, and they were stealing a few minutes with a full bench lineup on the court. They were close to putting the game out of reach.

With just half of the final period remaining, the Pacers were up by 26. They were going to win, and rookie forward Jarace Walker entered the game around this time. He was getting some valuable development reps late.

Indiana was able to close the game with Walker, Ben Sheppard, Kendall Brown, James Johnson, and Isaiah Jackson. Many of those guys don't get to play every night, so they received some beneficial reps. With the Pacers embarking on a road trip this week, getting rest for their starters was equally important.

The Pacers held on to win 122-103. They improved to 39-31 with the victory, and they need just one more win to clinch a spot in at least the Play-In Tournament.

Siakam finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Haliburton had 20 points, nine assists, and four steals. Nesmith added 14 points.

Indiana next plays on Friday when they travel to California to take on the Golden State Warriors.

• Tyrese Haliburton on his recent three-point shooting for Indiana Pacers: 'It's just a little slump right now'. CLICK HERE.
• Kendall Brown was thinking about an NBA contract all year before earning one with the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• Doug McDermott practiced on Friday, he's getting close to a return from a calf injury for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• Indiana Pacers poor shooting and late game flubs lead to loss vs Cleveland Cavaliers. CLICK HERE.
• Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
• Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers