Jackson sparks Pacers down Pistons
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-05 15:30

The Pacers improved to 23-22. Detroit center Ben Wallace, who had said Friday that the rivalry had lost some of its luster since the Pacers had been struggling, said the Pistons took the game seriously.

"We don't underestimate nobody," he said. "This was just one of those nights. They were more aggressive than we were. They were making plays and we couldn't make a play."

Jackson made three 3-pointers in the last three minutes of the first half to help the Pacers take a 51-50 halftime lead.

The Pacers closed the third quarter on an 11-2 run, keyed by seven points from rookie Danny Granger, to take a 74-64 lead into the final period. The Pistons shot 6-for-18 in the third quarter.

The Pistons shut down Indiana forward Peja Stojakovic, who had averaged 21.5 points in his first two games as a Pacer since being acquired for Ron Artest. Detroit's Tayshaun Prince held Stojakovic to eight points on 3-for-14 shooting.

Other Pacers made up for it. Granger had 11 points and nine rebounds, Scot Pollard had 14 rebounds and Jeff Foster had 12 boards.

Detroit has had the same starting lineup every game this season. … Carlisle said before the game he would lean "heavily" in favor of Pistons players when he votes for All-Star reserves. None of the Pistons was voted a starter, but Carlisle said he expects a Detroit player to take the injured Jermaine O'Neal's spot.