Wiseman's double-double helps Pistons end 11-game skid
Detroit Pistons center James Wiseman (13) attempts a layup as Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 13, 2023, in Detroit. Credit: AP/Carlos Osorio
DETROIT — James Wiseman had 18 points and 14 rebounds as the Detroit Pistons ended an 11-game losing streak with a 117-97 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
The Pistons, who hadn't won since beating San Antonio 138-131 in double overtime on Feb. 10, led by 31 points in the first half and held off an Indiana surge late in the second quarter and early in the third.
The Pacers beat Detroit 121-115 at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night.
Cory Joseph led Detroit with 22 points, Jalen Duren put up 12 points and 11 rebounds and Killian Hayes had 10 points and 11 assists.
Jordan Nwora had 20 points off the bench for Indiana.
As they had on Saturday, both teams played with shorthanded rosters. Detroit added Marvin Bagley III (ankle) to its lengthy injury list, while the Pacers were missing Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell and Myles Turner.
Indiana dominated Saturday's first half inside, but Detroit took control early on Monday. The Pistons had a 20-6 edge on points in the paint and a 15-7 rebounding advantage as they outscored the Pacers 38-20 in the first quarter. Eugene Omoruyi, making his third NBA start, had 11 points.
Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Livers (12) passes to center Jalen Duren (0) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Monday, March 13, 2023, in Detroit. Credit: AP/Carlos Osorio
Detroit led 52-23 after four minutes of the second quarter, but Indiana was back within 67-49 at halftime.
The Pacers cut the deficit to 69-57 early in the third quarter, but Detroit answered with a 13-point run to go up by 25 points.
TIP INS
Pacers: Indiana went from 64 points in the paint and 26 second-chance points on Saturday to 44 and 14 on Monday. .. Chris Duarte was limited to 24 minutes by a sore ankle.
Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3) shoots over the defense of Detroit Pistons guard Rodney McGruder (17) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 13, 2023, in Detroit. Credit: AP/Carlos Osorio
Pistons: Detroit's win was their first against a Central Division opponent this season after twelve straight losses. ... The Pistons hadn't won by a double-digit margin since beating Portland 135-118 on Jan. 11.
UP NEXT
Pacers: Visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
Pistons: Visit the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
