98
79
Wednesday, January 30th at 7:00 PM EST at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Game Rewind: IND 98, DET 79
by Scott Agness | January 30, 2013 | Updated 10:45 PM
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Game Recap
Returning home to the friendly confines of Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the Pacers' mission against the Detroit Pistons was clear: Control the paint, rebound, and get back to playing their high-level defense that led the NBA for most of the season. They accomplished all three and ended a three-game skid in the process, defeating the Pistons 98-79.
The Pacers led the entire way and ended the first half on an 18-2 run, which put them comfortably in front thereafter. Their 98-79 win is their 12th straight home win and ninth in a row over the Pistons.
Detroit was shorthanded and without their longtime leader, Tayshaun Prince, before team warm-ups even began. They were involved in a three-team deal along with Memphis and Toronto that dealt Prince and reserve Austin Daye to Memphis.
After missing their first three shots of the game, the Pacers made 11 of their next 15 and scored 29 points in the opening quarter to take an early lead. In place of Prince was Rodney Stuckey, who started just his ninth game of the season. He scored 12 of their 23 first-quarter points but just two more the rest of the way.
With the reserves on the floor, the Pacers missed 10 of their first 11 tries in the second stanza. During that stretch, the Pistons came within two, 36-34, but then the Pacers ran off 11 points in a row and ended the half on an 18-2 run in part because of their physical defense. The Pistons made just 28 percent of their attempts and went 1-of-8 from downtown.
The Pacers had an 18-point advantage at halftime and the lead never dipped below nine. They pushed it to as many as 23 late in the fourth quarter and that's when Coach Vogel sent in the guys on the end of the bench.
Wednesday night's victory was one the Pacers needed for a multitude of reasons but especially to get back on a winning track. After dropping three straight games, which could have quickly escalated to four, five and six in a row, they put on a dominating show against a division opponent that knows them well. Still frustrated with the outcomes of their previous two games, the Pacers
prevented any letdown and for the most part, appeared to return to form. Contributions were plenty as six Pacers finished in double-figures as they cruised to a 19-point win.
Inside the Numbers
Six Pacers scored in double figures and three had double-doubles. Roy Hibbert had his best output in eight games, leading the team with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Tyler Hansbrough registered 14 points (8-for-8 at the foul line) and 11 rebounds in 17 minutes. George Hill scored 15 and David West added 14.
With 12 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, Lance Stephenson posted his first-career double-double and a career-high rebounding total.
Greg Monroe finished with a team-high 18 points and nine boards for the Pistons. Will Bynum had 13 and rookie Andre Drummond pulled down 14 rebounds.
When holding their opponents under 80 points, as they did tonight, the Pacers are 8-1 this year.
Quoteworthy
“I’m proud of our guys for coming back off the West Coast trip and taking care of business at home. I thought we played with an edge that you need to play with when you’re on a losing streak, especially in the first half, building an 18-point lead going into halftime.” – Frank Vogel
“He’s not a guy that is just filling in for somebody. He’s a big reason for our success this year on both ends of the basketball. He’s an in-your-face defender, who’s improving with his discipline…We want him being extremely aggressive and when he’s at his best, we’re awful tough to beat.” – Frank Vogel on Lance Stephenson
“We were good defensively, locked in to what they were trying to do. We made them work a little harder than they’re used to and made them get the ball in spots where they weren't as comfortable.” – David West on their defense
“We were getting inside looks, outside looks. It was one of those games where it all came together and it was nice to see guys who don’t really play that much, get a chance to go out there and compete.” – Roy Hibbert
Stat of the Game
Connecting on 19-of-21 throws, the Pacers shot over 90 percent (90.5) from the free throw line for the second time this season. Meanwhile, the Pistons made 12-of-27 (44.4 percent) attempts.
Noteworthy
- The Pacers have won three in a row over the Pistons and nine straight at the Fieldhouse, where on the season they’re 17-3.
- Kim English was given a flagrant-one after fouling Tyler Hansbrough on the neck.
- All 13 active Pacers players played.
- Frank Vogel said he’s still hoping to see Danny Granger in uniform for the first time this season before All-Star break. Granger has increased his activity level and decreased his rest in between.
Up Next
The Pacers face the Miami Heat for the second time this season on Friday at 7 PM EST. They will wear their pinstripe retro uniforms and the game will air on ESPN.
