By Scott Agness
The Pacers got back to their winning ways Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons, visiting Bankers Life Fieldhouse for the final time this season. Indiana (53-23) snapped its three-game skid by shooting 49 percent, tallying 24 assists, and holding the Pistons (28-48) to 37 percent shooting in a 101-94 victory before the 26th sellout crowd of the season.
Unlike games in recent weeks, the Pacers came out loose and with smiles on their faces — a likely result of a meeting between the starters held the day before, an off day for the team coming off two consecutive games. Their demeanor appeared much improved and their energy was contagious.
The “fun” the team so desired finally returned midway through the second stanza — with Lance Stephenson, providing the initial burst of energy with an emphatic driving dunk. He helped the Pacers run off 10 straight points, assisting on two possessions.
Turner hits the 15-footer, #Pacers get stop at other end, Hibbert lays it in. IND 21, DET 25, 2:25 left in 1Q.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 2, 2014
The Pacers held the Pistons to 19 points on 28 percent shooting in the second quarter, put 50 first-half points on the board, and were ahead by four heading into the locker room.
Indiana’s offensive execution carried into the second half, perfectly illustrated by a play where Lance Stephenson understood he wasn’t getting anywhere with his dribble. He picked it up, tossed it into the post to Roy Hibbert, who backed his man down before finding a cutting George Hill for a layup.
Stephenson gets a reverse lay-in after a nice feed from Hibbert. Pacers get stop at other end, Hibbert feeds Hill for another lay-in.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 3, 2014
“Everybody was moving the ball. Everybody was getting involved and that energized people. We were trying to get out on the break, make passes to each other and not do it all ourselves. It feels good. It was definitely a better atmosphere in the locker room and in the huddles. One game is good but we’ve got to try to string a couple more together.” – Roy Hibbert
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