It was the type of start that catered to the old school NBA fan. Lots of defense. No offense for the Detroit Pistons or Indiana Pacers.
Before tip-off, the Detroit Pistons averaged 27.1 points in the first quarter since top the of the 2018-19 season. Detroit found themselves with 15 points after the first 12 minutes with a stark defensive effort that only allowed the Pacers three points more by the beginning of the second. Both teams suffered a slow start and picked things up as time waned on.
The Pacers did all but roll out the welcome mat for the Pistons to shoot themselves out of an annoying slump and take control of the night.