Dallas Mavericks Hang On For a 107-105 Win Over the Indiana Pacers
The Dallas Mavericks concluded the homestand against the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday. The Mavericks held on for a 107-105 win over the Pacers. Dallas improved to 2-3, while Indiana fell to 0-4.
The Mavericks felt a sense of urgency after an early 1-3 start. Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd told reporters that the experiment with Cooper Flagg at the point guard position wasn’t a good fit and could stunt his growth as an NBA player.
The Mavericks hosted a Dia De Los Muertos celebration to honor and remember deceased loved ones, as well as a Pink Out Night to raise breast health awareness. The first 10,000 fans received pink rally towels.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers Starters
Wednesday’s game saw Dallas play Indiana in non-conference action. Indiana tested Dallas’ current challenges with a depleted roster without Kyrie Irving. Indiana’s recent signee, three-time dunk contest champion Mac McClung, appeared in his first game as an Indiana Pacer.
Dallas’ bright spot is Max Christie, who scored 14 points vs. Oklahoma City, amid the team’s early-season struggles. Despite the hot start, Christie, 22, appeared to stay humble after shifting his focus to the entire team instead.
Dallas’ starting lineup featured Flagg, Christie, Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, and Anthony Davis. Dallas ruled out Irving (knee), Dante Exum (knee), Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford (ankle).
Indiana’s starting lineup featured Ben Sheppard, Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, Pascal Siakam, and Isaiah Jackson. Indiana ruled out Tyrese Haliburton (knee), TJ McConnell (hamstring), Kam Jones (back), Obi Toppin (foot), Bennedict Mathurin (toe), Johnny Furphy (foot), Andrew Nembhard (shoulder), and Taelon Peter (groin).
Mavericks vs. Pacers Recap
Wednesday’s game was exciting from start to finish. Dallas and Indiana may not be deemed as a marquee matchup, but Dallas is known for a sense of competition and commitment to excellence. Meanwhile, Indiana specializes in defensive strength and offensive flexibility.
Indiana jumped out to a 2-0 lead to open the first quarter. Dallas responded with a 4-2 lead before Indiana tied the score 4-4. Flagg dazzled the home crowd with a rim attack. Walker shone with a 3-pointer. The score remained close, thanks to both teams’ offensive efforts. Indiana settled for a 30-25 lead at the end of the first.
Dallas opened the second quarter with a bucket. Indiana responded with a bucket of its own. Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle’s challenge was successful, and Siakam received an and-1. Turnovers affected Dallas. To make matters worse, Davis was questionable to return after suffering left lower leg soreness. Indiana took a 55-52 lead into halftime.
Dallas picked up the pace in the third quarter. Brandon Williams picked up where he left off with an early bucket. Christie then threw a pass to Dwight Powell, who made a layup. Dallas took its largest lead of the game, 79-72. Dallas had an 81-72 lead after three quarters.
Indiana took an early 4-2 lead in the fourth quarter. Indiana’s pressure application kept the score close, but Dallas survived. Williams and Powell shocked the NBA world as Dallas’ top two scorers. Dallas won 107-104 in regulation.
Final Thoughts
The Mavericks travel to Mexico City for an NBA Global game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Central. The Pacers return to Indianapolis to host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, also Halloween, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. The game will be broadcast on FDSSE.
