The Detroit Pistons delivered one of their most efficient offensive performances of the season Sunday, defeating the Indiana Pacers 133-121 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Detroit, already locked into the Eastern Conference’s top seed, improved to 60-22 while extending its winning streak to three games and building momentum ahead of the playoffs.
Paul Reed anchored the performance with a flawless shooting display, finishing with 26 points on 11-for-11 from the field while adding six rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Tobias Harris complemented that effort with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range in just 22 minutes.
The Pistons established control early through pace and spacing, generating high-percentage looks and capitalizing on defensive breakdowns.
Detroit shot 56% from the field overall and caught fire in the first half, scoring a season-high 81 points before halftime.
Cade Cunningham orchestrated the offense despite limited scoring, finishing with seven points, eight rebounds and 14 assists while consistently creating open shots for teammates.
The Pistons’ ball movement led to 35 assists on 50 made field goals, reflecting a balanced attack with multiple scoring options.
Indiana struggled to contain dribble penetration and transition opportunities, allowing Detroit to build a double-digit lead midway through the second quarter.
A 13-0 run followed by a 9-0 surge pushed the advantage to 81-63 at halftime, forcing the Pacers into catch-up mode.
Detroit extended the margin to 90-66 early in the third quarter, maintaining control by attacking the paint and converting efficiently at the rim.
Obi Toppin and Quenton Jackson led Indiana with 21 points each, while the team shot 46% from the field and 43% from three-point range.
Despite solid perimeter shooting, the Pacers could not match Detroit’s interior efficiency or defensive activity.
The game turned chippy late when Jalen Slawson was ejected after a blindside collision with Isaiah Stewart, leading to a brief confrontation between both benches.
Indiana, which finished the season 19-63, closed with the lowest win total in franchise history and will now shift focus to the NBA Draft Lottery.
Before the game, Tyrese Haliburton addressed fans after missing the entire season due to an Achilles injury sustained in last year’s NBA Finals, signaling progress toward a return next season.
Detroit’s 60-win campaign marks its first since the 2005-06 season and only the third in franchise history.
The top-seeded Pistons will now await their first-round opponent, entering the postseason with one of the league’s most efficient offenses and consistent ball movement.
