The Indiana Pacers secured a thrilling 115-109 season-opening victory over the Detroit Pistons after a massive fourth-quarter comeback. The win spoiled the head coaching debut of J.B. Bickerstaff for Detroit, as the Pacers erased a double-digit deficit with a dominant final frame, showcasing the resilience that took them to the Eastern Conference finals last season.
A Fourth Quarter Surge Seals the Deal
For three quarters, the game was firmly in Detroit’s control. The Pistons built a 12-point advantage and looked poised to start their season with a win. However, the Pacers flipped the script entirely in the final 12 minutes.
Indiana’s defense clamped down while their offense came alive. The Pacers outscored the Pistons 33-19 in the fourth quarter to steal the victory on the road. This late-game execution proved to be the difference maker.
- Detroit was held to just 5-of-20 shooting from the field in the final period.
- The Pacers’ defense forced key turnovers that fueled their comeback.
- Momentum completely shifted following a crucial overturned call.
This impressive turnaround demonstrates Coach Rick Carlisle’s ability to make in-game adjustments and his team’s refusal to give up.
Indiana’s Key Players Shine Bright
The Pacers’ victory was a total team effort, with multiple players making significant contributions on the offensive end. Myles Turner was a force, leading the team with 20 points and anchoring the defense in the second half.
Pascal Siakam, fresh off signing a max contract, and Bennedict Mathurin were right behind him, each adding 19 points. The backcourt duo of Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell also provided a major spark.
| Player | Points |
|---|---|
| Myles Turner | 20 |
| Pascal Siakam | 19 |
| Bennedict Mathurin | 19 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | 15 |
| T.J. McConnell | 14 |
Controversial Call Shifts Momentum
A single moment with 6:31 remaining in the game played a massive role in the outcome. A charge-block call on the floor went against the Pacers, which would have resulted in a three-point play for Detroit’s Tobias Harris.
However, after a coach’s challenge, the call was overturned. Instead of Detroit extending its lead, the play resulted in Indiana gaining possession and a one-point lead. From that point forward, the Pacers never trailed again, using the momentum swing to close out the game.
Pistons’ Promising Start Undone by Late Mistakes
Despite the heartbreaking loss, there were positive signs for the Pistons. Cade Cunningham was spectacular, scoring 28 points, with 22 of those coming in a dominant second-half performance. He showed why he is considered the franchise’s cornerstone.
The team’s newly acquired veterans also made an immediate impact. Tim Hardaway and Malik Beasley each scored 14 points, while Tobias Harris added 13 in his return to Detroit. Unfortunately, the team’s hot shooting from the first three quarters disappeared when it mattered most. The Pistons’ inability to score in the clutch proved to be their downfall.
Looking Ahead for Both Squads
The Indiana Pacers will look to carry this momentum on the road as they travel to New York for a Friday night matchup against the Knicks.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons will aim to bounce back from this tough opening night loss. They will head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers, hoping to secure J.B. Bickerstaff’s first win as their head coach.
