Two players who could’ve been Detroit Pistons, had big nights for the previously winless Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers (1-2) defeated the Pistons (1-2) 122-115 behind 23 points & 10 assists from guard Tyrese Haliburton, and 25 points & 7 rebounds from rookie Bennedict Mathurin.

Tyrese Haliburton was selected 5 spots behind Killian Hayes in 2020. Mathurin was taken one pick after Jaden Ivey in the latest NBA draft.

How It Went Down

The Pacers duo was backed up by stout second half defense which saw a Pistons 56-52 half time lead, seem like a distant memory. They had 15 blocks and 15 points off 14 forced Pistons turnovers.

The Pistons started hot and raced off to a 14 point lead, but ultimately couldn’t sustain the effort.

Fatigue had to be a factor in the second game of a back to back, on the road.

Four of five Pistons starters scored at least 16 points, led by Cade Cunningham’s 22 Points on 4-8 shooting from three. Cunningham had 12 points on 5 of 7 shooting in the 4th quarter, but the comeback bid fell short.

In front of family and friends, Rookie Jaden Ivey continued to impress despite the loss. The South Bend, IN born Ivey called this game his “homecoming”.

Ivey stuffed the staff sheet with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. He joined Saddiq Bey (20 points, 11 rebounds) and Isaiah Stewart (11 points, 16 rebounds) in achieving a double-double.

The starters played well but the Pistons lack of depth due to injury, has been glaring through the first 3 games.

Marvin Bagley III, Alex Burks and Nerlens Noel would have been welcome options for Detroit.

Their bench has been out scored 124-51 by the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers.

Perimeter defense & turnovers have been an Achilles heel since last season. At the end of preseason Pistons head coach Dwane Casey stated those areas would be works in progress.

Casey stated he won’t use the team being young as an excuse, but it is a factor as they continue to learn the NBA game.

What’s Next

The Pistons will have a chance to bounce back Tuesday, October 25th. They will be on the road to take on Michigan native Kyle Kuzma and the Washington Wizards.