Pistons Sound Off in Game 3

R. Wallace Paces Detroit to 2-1 Lead: Pistons 85, Pacers 78

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 26 -- Rasheed Wallace made another loud statement, only this time he did it during the game instead of before or after it.

Playing his best offensive game in a month, Wallace scored 20 points Wednesday night and left to a standing ovation as the Detroit Pistons controlled the game with their defense and defeated the Indiana Pacers, 85-78.

The victory gave the Pistons a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals. Game 4 is Friday night.

"Just out there hooping, man, just taking what they gave me, nothing more than that," said Wallace, who has been the most bombastic character in a series in need of some spunk given the offensive ineptitude of both teams for long -- excruciatingly long, some might say -- stretches.

Wallace has been the most bombastic character in a series in need of some spunk given the offensive ineptitude both teams have shown for long -- excruciatingly long, some might say -- stretches.

After guaranteeing a Game 2 victory, he rubbed it in with an expletive-filled rant directed at Pacers fans as he walked off the court following that game.

Wallace had scored a total of 14 points in the first two games while missing 21 of 26 shots, but his offensive woes disappeared at the arena he has called home since mid-February.

He shot 8 for 15 to share team-high scoring honors with Richard Hamilton, who reached 20 points for the 25th time in 32 career playoff games.

"They were trying to concentrate on me in that second half, and that just opened it up," Wallace said.

Ben Wallace added 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting and grabbed 16 rebounds and Chauncey Billups scored 14 points with eight assists for the Pistons, who allowed the Pacers to score more points in the fourth quarter (33) than they had in the entire first half (30).

"We had some tough luck with some good shots," Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle said. "We gave ourselves a chance, and now we're going to have to get better at both ends."

An almost unwatchable game suddenly turned interesting as Austin Croshere drove past Rasheed Wallace for a dunk that capped a 10-0 run and cut Detroit's lead to 76-75.

On the next possession, Wallace got the ball in the low post isolated against Croshere and made a turnaround six-footer. He was fouled on the play and made the free throw to reach 20 points and give Detroit breathing room.

Reggie Miller got open but missed a three-pointer, then fouled Tayshaun Prince while trying to defend him one-on-one on a post-up. Prince made one of two free throws before Al Harrington sank a three-pointer to make it 80-78 with 49 seconds left.