AT CONSECO FIELDHOUSE, INDIANAPOLIS
WHAT HAPPENED: It looked like the Pistons would get their second victory over the Pacers in a week when Austin Daye came off the bench cold and knocked down a baseline 17-footer to give the Pistons a 101-100 lead with 11.1 seconds left. But the Pacers cleared out for Danny Granger, who was completely stymied by Tracy McGrady. Granger found Brandon Rush streaking down the lane for a two-handed flush with 5.4 seconds left for the winning basket. The Pistons still had a chance, but Rodney Stuckey's turnover dropped the Pistons to 21-38 on the season and a whopping eight games behind the Pacers (26-30) in the loss column for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Greg Monroe was a monster for the Pistons with a career-high 27 points and 12 rebounds. Stuckey finished with 21 points, and McGrady had 16.
The big number: 6 -- Stuckey turnovers.
The other side: Reserve Tyler Hansbrough had 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Pacers. Granger scored 18 points.
Injury report: Rip Hamilton was out once again with a sore groin. Mike Dunleavy was out with a broken left thumb he suffered in the Pacers' win over the Wizards on Tuesday night.
Hustling Pacers: Hansbrough and Jeff Foster grabbed five offensive rebounds in a row during one possession in the second quarter that led to a Hansbrough bucket. That was it for Charlie Villanueva for the night after only 4:28. Villanueva later retweeted a follower's tweet that was critical of Pistons coach John Kuester.
Testy Piston: Stuckey picked up a technical foul after exchanging words with Hansbrough and Foster after he took issue with a hard foul.
Team turmoil: After a defensive breakdown led to an easy jumper for Granger during a pick-and-roll situation, Chris Wilcox and Kuester exchanged words.
Contact VINCE ELLIS: 313-222-6479 or vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @freeppistons.
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