Pacers 93, Pistons 92: Pacers Storm the Palace

In a game that had more peaks and valleys than Pamela Anderson, the Pacers ended up on top of the Pistons, 93-92. Not that I would know about Pamela Anderson, but since Kid Rock was at the Palace you can ask him. I'll stick to the game. The Pacers started the game with a quick ten point lead (peak), then suddenly fell down by 13 (valley) only to rally for a one point lead at the half (flat smooth surface). You get the idea. Anyway, after playing with the lead most of the second half, the Pacers gave the Pistons their obligatory opportunities to steal the win or at least push it into OT. Rip Hamilton tied the game with 3.4 seconds to go but Darrell Armstrong got loose with the ball near the hoop and was fouled. He made 1 of 2 with :00.9 seconds left and Pistons didn't get another shot off. A sweet, juicy, and delicious W that the Pacers should enjoy on their flight home. A few more thoughts on the game:

• JO's game continues to flourish. He's not healthy which was obvious when listening to his post game comments -- he really sounded sick. He mustered up the strength to get it done during the game, though. With 25 and 13 plus his now routine 4 blocks, the guy is playing the best basketball of his life. Hopefully he can stay healthy because he's a joy to watch on the court.


• Jamaal Tinsley played a tough, aggressive game tonight, doing a little bit of everything (his stat line is filled) while having to deal with not getting any calls.


• Marquis Daniels had his marquee game of the year, answering Carlisle's call after several games with minimal minutes. 'Quis had 8 points, 4 assists, and more importantly proved to be a tough match up for Rip Hamilton by chasing him around and making him work for every point.


• Jason Maxiell is indeed making an impact in the front court for the Pistons. Dude is huge, active and not afraid to shoot it. Quinn Buckner said it best after Maxiell hit a mid-range jumper, "Maxiell, is going to WORK!"


• The Pacers return to Indy for a game tomorrow night against Charlotte. The Bobcats will be dealing with a back-to-back situation also after beating the Lakers tonight in triple OT. What is with the multiple OT games in the NBA this year?

(Photo: D. Lippitt/Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images)