Pistons vs. Pacers final score: Second-half struggles loom large in loss

Last year, the Detroit Pistons played like a losing team. It was rare that it seemed like they were capable, and sometimes whether they were even interested, in winning. The first game of the 2024-25 season was different. They weren’t playing like losers. But when it was winning time, the Indiana Pacers knew how to execute, and the Pistons didn’t. In the end, the Pistons dropped their home opener 115-109.

A Cade Cunningham driving hook with 7:17 left to play put Detroit up 101-100. It was the last time they held the lead. Throughout the final quarter, you could feel the Pistons tensing up. The offense got more stagnant. Players were settling for one OK look instead of moving the ball to…