The Indiana Pacers used a strong fourth quarter to beat the Detroit Pistons and start the season 1-0

DETROIT – The Indiana Pacers opened their 2024-25 season on Wednesday night in Detroit. They struggled in a Central Division matchup against the Pistons – Indiana beat Detroit last year, but it would be much more difficult this season.

“They're not potentially a harder team to beat, they're a harder team to beat,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of the Pistons. He respects their defense and what they showed in the preseason under new head coach JB Bickerstaff.

The Pacers' starting five were subpar in the preseason, so the first few minutes of the game were crucial. Here's what happened at Little Caesars Arena.

First quarter

Score after one period: Pistons 31, Pacers 25

Second quarter

Score after two frames: Pistons 58, Pacers 49. Siakam led Indiana with eight points.

Third quarter

Score after three quarters: Pistons 90, Pacers 82.

Fourth quarter

The final score was 115-109. Turner led the scoring with 20 points. The Pacers play their next game on Friday when they take on the Knicks in New York.