Indiana got their first win against Detroit, led by Bennedict Mathurin with 27 points. Tyrese Haliburton scored 24.
The Indiana Pacers picked up their first win of the season, taking it to the Detroit Pistons in impressive fashion to end their three game homestand. The Pacers got off to another slow start, trailing by 14 in the first quarter, but began to show some resistance defensively, blocking their way back into the game, taking the lead for good in the third quarter and holding off Detroit’s fourth quarter pushes.
The Pacers got electric performances throughout the night with Bennedict Mathurin leading the way with 27 points and seven rebounds, hitting three of his five threes in the third quarter to put Indiana in control. Tyrese Haliburton finished with 24, overcoming some early struggles shooting, hitting back-to-back haymakers in the fourth quarter. He also had 10 assists and five steals.
Jalen Smith had his best game of the year, completing his own double double of 19 points and 15 rebounds, blocking three shots. Isaiah Jackson had five blocks, scoring eight. The Pacers had 15 blocks for the game, including three from Aaron Nesmith in his first start with the Pacers. Off the bench, Goga Bitadze also had a double double of 14 points and 15 rebounds, eight on the offensive end.
Indiana hits the road for five games starting Monday, starting with a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.