Pistons Dominate Short-Handed Pacers in Blowout Win
Detroit - The Pistons needed a night like this, and they made sure to take full advantage of it. With the Indiana Pacers rolling into Little Caesars Arena missing seven rotation players due to injury, Detroit wasted no time asserting control and never looked back, cruising to a commanding 121-78 win - their largest margin of victory this season.
From the opening tip, the Pistons played with purpose and energy, sensing an opportunity to snap out of a rough stretch and deliver a statement performance. They did just that, dominating both ends of the floor and putting together one of their most complete efforts of the year.
Cade Cunningham and Duncan Robinson paced the scoring with 16 points apiece, both playing within the flow of the offense and picking their spots smartly. Cunningham, as usual, was the engine - orchestrating the offense, setting the tone, and keeping the ball moving. Robinson, meanwhile, found his rhythm from the perimeter and gave Detroit a reliable scoring punch.
Jalen Duren continued to be a force in the paint, adding 15 points and pulling down eight rebounds. His physical presence inside was too much for an undermanned Pacers frontcourt to handle.
Off the bench, Javonte Green brought energy and efficiency, matching the team-high with 16 points and making the most of his minutes. Caris LeVert chipped in 10 points, helping keep the offensive pressure on.
Defensively, Detroit was locked in. The Pistons smothered Indiana’s perimeter shooters, contesting everything and forcing the Pacers into one of their coldest shooting nights of the season. Indiana missed its first 17 three-point attempts and finished just 8-of-35 from deep - a brutal 22.9% clip that never gave them a chance to claw back into the game.
Jarace Walker was one of the few bright spots for Indiana, leading the team with 13 points and five rebounds. But it was clear from the outset that the Pacers, depleted by injuries, were outmatched on this night.
For Detroit, this win was about more than just the scoreboard. It was a reminder of what this young core is capable of when firing on all cylinders. With balanced scoring, active defense, and a commitment to playing together, the Pistons showed flashes of the team they’re trying to become.
Yes, the Pacers were missing key pieces, but in the NBA, you still have to take care of business - and Detroit did that in emphatic fashion.