Hill Scores 20, Pacers Beat Pistons 114-109
By JIM JOHNSON/Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - George Hill returned to the starting lineup and contributed 20 points and six assists, leading the Indiana Pacers over the Detroit Pistons 114-109 Wednesday night.
Hill made just his fourth start of the season, and first in six games after being sidelined by a strained left groin. Slowed by a knee injury, he's been limited to 11 games.
Roy Hibbert had 16 points and 12 rebounds and C.J. Miles added 15 points for the Pacers.
Andre Drummond had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and Greg Monroe scored 16 for the Pistons. Detroit had won the first two meetings against Indiana this season.
Miles made back-to-back 3-pointers that helped give the Pacers a 102-96 lead, and they led the rest of the way.
The Pacers went on a 17-2 run in the third quarter to take a 70-58 lead.
Miles finished with four 3-pointers, including a 3 that tied it at 56 and sparked the run. Hill's layup put the Pacers ahead.
With Hill starting again, Indiana looked for him to have an immediate impact. He delivered with a basket and a 3 that gave the Pacers a 5-0 lead.
Monroe scored just before halftime to give the Pistons a 49-48 lead at the break.
After Indiana's big run early in the second half, the Pistons went on a 10-2 run late in the third quarter to get back within two.
John Lucas III hit a 3-pointer and Anthony Tolliver made another to make 74-72 with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter.
TIP-INS
Pistons: Detroit began the day with an average of 8.7 3-pointers per game, the highest rate in team history. The Pistons shot 12 of 24 on 3s, and the Pacers were even better at 12 of 21.
Pacers: Indiana wore Flo-Jo jerseys as part of the NBA's Hardwood Classics program. The Pacers wore the jerseys throughout the 1990s and will wear them in six games this season.
UP NEXT
Pistons: Host Nuggets on Friday.
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