Stackhouse, Pistons Rally Past the Pacers

Jerry Stackhouse is making himself right at home in Detroit’s starting lineup.

Stackhouse, who has started 12 times this season after coming off the bench in all but nine games last season, scored 26 points to lead the Pistons to a 107-99 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night at Indianapolis.

Stackhouse, averaging 23.2 points, has topped the 20-point mark nine times this season.

Stackhouse got plenty of help, with Grant Hill scoring 22 points and all five Detroit starters finishing in double figures.

“We made plays and we made defensive stops when we had to,” said Stackhouse, who helped the Pistons rally from a 12-point deficit in the second half for their fourth consecutive victory.

Rik Smits had a season-high 23 points for Indiana, and Dale Davis added 21. Reggie Miller scored seven points, shooting only two of 11 from the field. He is shooting 30% in his last seven games.

Free throws were crucial to the outcome as Detroit outscored Indiana, 29-10, from the line. Christian Laettner, who had 19 points, sank 11 of 13 attempts, and Stackhouse made 10 of 12.

After recording their best NBA start by winning five of their first seven games, the defending Central Division champion Pacers have dropped four of five.