With the Pistons' defensive capabilities, cutting off these "tactical focal points" is not a difficult task.
Dior made three consecutive passing turnovers.
Rick Carlisle also realized that his "surprise soldier buff" was gone.
In the second half, the Pacers' situation became increasingly unfavorable, with frequent losses of backcourt rebounds, which made the Pistons' perimeter players even more willing to shoot, Hamilton's shooting became hotter, scoring 14 points in a single quarter.
The live camera immediately turned to Reggie Miller, who had successfully limited Hamilton in last season's playoffs.
Had he been wearing a Pacers jersey today, would the burst from Hamilton have been avoided?
The suspense of the game disappeared with Hamilton's explosion, and the Pistons ultimately defeated the Pacers by 98 to 87, a margin of 11 points, putting a damper on Indiana's "championship ring collection night."
