The boost of Jermaine O'Neal's return to the Pacers' line-up wasn't enough for them to follow their previous victory over the Pistons with one on Christmas Day, losing 98-93.

O'Neal scored 21 points for Indiana.

Rip Hamilton was the high-scorer with 25 points for the Pistons.

``It was just a regular game, everybody playing the way they play,'' Pistons center Ben Wallace said. ``It wasn't like we were out there intimidated, not wanting to touch anybody because it might start a fight. We were out there to play basketball, and that's the way it should be.''

The Pacers fell behind by 8 heading into the 4th quarter and the Detroit lead was too great for Indiana to comeback from.

The game was played without incident, a huge relief to both teams involved, who have already gone through so much, as well as to the league, who have been deeply concerned with their image.