Smith leads Pacers to 121-115 win over short-handed Pistons

DETROIT (AP) — Jalen Smith scored 11 of his 20 factors within the fourth quarter and the Indiana Pacers beat Detroit 121-115 Saturday evening, extending the Pistons’ dropping streak to 11 video games.

Isaiah Jackson added 19 factors and 11 rebounds for Indiana (31-37), which improved to 5-2 in its final seven video games.

“I assumed our younger guys positioned exceptionally effectively,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle stated. “Jalen was nice, Isaiah did an excellent job, particularly taking part in with out fouling, and I cherished the way in which (Andrew) Nembhard ran the crew.”

Isaiah Livers had a career-high 18 factors for Detroit (15-53), and Killian Hayes had 17 factors and 13 assists.

“Killian has to play at that degree and with that power for each minute he can,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey stated. “That is a tough factor for younger gamers to grasp, whether or not it’s on the offensive or defensive finish.”

The Pistons have been lacking 5 of their prime six scorers; Hayes was the one one within the lineup. The Pacers performed with out Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner, and can once more when the groups play once more on Monday.

“These three guys are banged up sufficient that I’ll preserve them out till a minimum of the Milwaukee sport,” Carlisle stated. “I wish to see our younger guys validate this efficiency by going out and doing it once more on Monday.”

The sport was tied at 90 going into the fourth quarter, and the Pacers hit eight of their first 11 pictures within the interval to take a 114-103 lead.

Detroit had its prime three submit gamers — Jalen Duren, James Wiseman and Marvin Bagley III — however have been taken aside inside within the first half. The Pacers had 11 offensive rebounds to Detroit’s 9 defensive rebounds, and completed with 38 factors within the paint and 15 second-chance factors.

“They kicked our behind each which approach on the glass,” Casey stated. “I talked to our bigs and informed them if we’ll play two bigs, now we have to dominate the boards or a minimum of play with extra effort.”

Duren’s 14 factors and 9 rebounds stored the Pistons inside 69-57, however his teammates managed solely eight rebounds within the half.

“Once we’re taking part in two bigs, we will not get outrebounded,” Duren stated. “We all know now we have to battle in opposition to the Pacers — they’re preventing for a play-in spot.”

Detroit, outscored Indiana 20-8 within the first 4 minutes of the second half to tie the sport at 77. Hayes completed with 9 assists and 6 factors within the third.

“The third quarter wasn’t what we needed, however that is a part of the event of younger gamers,” Carlisle stated. “I am pleased with the way in which they completed the sport.”

TIPS IN

Pacers: Smith had 11 factors and 4 rebounds within the first 5 minutes of the fourth quarter earlier than being changed by Jackson.

Pistons: Duren performed 14:18 within the first half, however had 4 of Detroit’s eight offensive rebounds and 5 of their 9 defensive rebounds. … Bagley left the sport after aggravating an ankle damage.

HOME FOR THE WEEKEND

Jackson, a Detroit native, was taking part in his first NBA sport at residence.

“It’s a nice feeling to play in entrance of this crowd, to play in entrance of my household and to play in entrance of the folks I grew up round,” he stated.

UP NEXT

The Pacers will stay in Detroit to finish a two-game set in opposition to the Pistons on Monday.