Lost in the fold of a dramatic game was wing Aaron Nesmith, who made his return after missing all of November and December with an injury. Nesmith started but played only nine minutes. However, he scored an efficient nine points and brought some needed defense against Cade Cunningham.

Jan 10, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) dribbles the ball while Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

INDIANAPOLIS -- Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is ... That will likely happen again if Haliburton is out Tuesday. Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith is still listed as out with a left ...

The Pacers had some good moments on defense but some struggles against the zone with Tyrese Haliburton out in a loss to the Cavaliers

Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith scored nine points in nine minutes in his return from a left ankle sprain in the Pacers 111-100 win over the Pistons.

The Pacers got off to a bad start, but they are 10-3 since Dec. 13. And Haliburton has regained his All-Star form.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is listed on ... Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith is still listed as out on the injury report with a sprained left ankle.

The night before, Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers' franchise player, had said following a loss in Toronto that they were putting an embarrassing product on the floor and needed to start matching or exceeding their opponents' energy level.