Indiana Pacers use big fourth quarter to beat Detroit Pistons, start ...

DETROIT — The Indiana Pacers opened their 2024-25 season on Wednesday night in Detroit. They battled the Pistons in a Central Division matchup — Indiana swept Detroit last year, but things were going to be much tougher this season.

“They’re not potentially a tougher team to beat, they are a tougher team to beat," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of the Pistons. He respects their defense and what they showed in the preseason under new head coach J. B. Bickerstaff.

The Pacers starting five was substandard in the preseason, so the opening minutes of the game were going to be critical. Here's what went down in Little Caesars Arena.

First Quarter

Score after one period: Pistons 31, Pacers 25

Second Quarter

Score after two frames: Pistons 58, Pacers 49. Siakam led Indiana with eight points.

Third Quarter

Score after three quarters: Pistons 90, Pacers 82.

Fourth Quarter

The final score was 115-109. Turner led the way in scoring with 20 points. The Pacers play their next game on Friday when they take on the Knicks in New York.