The Indiana Pacers showed they are still the team to beat in the Eastern Conference, keeping the Detroit Pistons from establishing two historic bests.
Jermaine O’Neal had 28 points and 15 rebounds to help the Pacers snap the visiting Pistons’ 13-game winning streak with an 81-69 victory Tuesday night.
The win capped a stellar weeklong stretch for the Pacers against playoff-caliber teams, leaving the players thinking it might be the start of something special.
“We are really developing into an amazing basketball team,” said forward Scot Pollard, who contributed strong defense in 13 minutes.
The Pistons were trying for the longest winning streak in franchise history and the longest in the NBA this season. Instead, they lost to their former coach, Rick Carlisle, for the third time this season.
“We had a long winning streak and it was great, but now it’s over,” Ben Wallace said. “Now we just have to start another one.
Grant’s streak ends
Miami Heat center Brian Grant sat out Tuesday night’s game against Boston because of a bruised left knee, ending his streak of 123 consecutive games.
RESULTS, TUESDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Detroit 69 at Indiana 81
Reggie Miller had 22 points in another strong performance for the Eastern Conference-leading Pacers, who have won 5 in row and 12 of last 13. Pistons held to 9 first-quarter points.
Seattle 94 at Cleveland 99
Carlos Boozer matched a career high with 32 points and added 20 rebounds as Cavs survived without LeBron James (ankle). Paul Silas became 46th NBA coach to win 300 games.
Boston 86 at Miami 84
Paul Pierce scored 29 points for Celtics, who rallied from 9-point deficit in the final 5 1/2 minutes to snap 4-game losing streak. Boston won despite being outrebounded 52-34.
New Jersey 93 at Dallas 106
Antoine Walker scored 19 of his 22 points in 2nd half as Mavs won 5th in row and beat Nets for 7th straight time. Teams set NBA mark by combining for only 11 turnovers (Mavs 4, Nets 7).
Denver 96 at Utah 75
Voshon Lenard scored 17 points as Nuggets gave Jazz first 3-game losing streak of season. Utah dressed just 10 players, and top scorer Andrei Kirilenko (ankle sprain) wasn’t one of them.
Portland 109 at Sacramento 104
Derek Anderson scored all 12 of Blazers’ points in OT as team with NBA’s worst road record (3-16) beat team best at home (21-3). Anderson finished with a season-high 29 points.
