Pacers season ends with 133-121 loss to Pistons

Detroit earns 60th win, Indiana finishes with franchise-low 19 victories

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:49am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in the Pistons' blue and red and the Pacers' blue and gold colors.The Pistons' dominant victory over the Pacers showcases the stark contrast between the two teams' fortunes this season.Indianapolis Today

The Indiana Pacers' season came to an end with a 133-121 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Paul Reed led the Pistons with 26 points, while Tobias Harris added 24 points. Obi Toppin and Quenton Jackson each scored 21 points for the Pacers, who finished the season with just 19 wins - the lowest total in franchise history.

Why it matters

The Pistons' victory was their 60th of the season, a milestone they had not reached since the 2005-06 campaign. Meanwhile, the Pacers' 19 wins represent the lowest total in the franchise's NBA history, underscoring the team's struggles throughout the year.

The details

The Pistons shot nearly 70% from the field and from 3-point range in the first half, building an 81-63 halftime lead. They extended that advantage to 90-66 early in the third quarter and never looked back. The game was marred late when Pacers forward Jalen Slawson was ejected following a collision with Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart, leading to a shouting match between the coaching staffs.

  • The Pacers closed the season with 19 wins, the lowest total in franchise history.
  • The Pistons earned their 60th victory, the third time they've reached that milestone in franchise history and the first time since 2005-06.

The players

Paul Reed

Finished with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and three blocks for the Pistons.

Tobias Harris

Scored 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 4-of-4 from 3-point range, for the Pistons.

Obi Toppin

Led the Pacers with 21 points.

Quenton Jackson

Also scored 21 points for the Pacers.

Tyrese Haliburton

The Pacers' All-Star guard, who missed the season due to a torn Achilles, thanked fans for their support and is on track to return next season.

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What they’re saying

“Before the game, All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton thanked fans for their support during a trying season, one in which he did not play because of the torn Achilles tendon he suffered early in Game 7 of last year's NBA Finals.”

— Tyrese Haliburton, All-Star guard

What’s next

The Pistons will find out their first-round playoff opponent later this week, while the Pacers will wait for the NBA Draft Lottery on May 10.

The takeaway

The Pacers' dismal 19-win season underscores the team's struggles, but the return of Tyrese Haliburton next year provides hope for a turnaround. Meanwhile, the Pistons' 60-win campaign and playoff berth demonstrate their status as an Eastern Conference contender.