Dallas Mavericks Narrowly Defeat Indiana Pacers 134-130

The Indiana Pacers hosted the Dallas Mavericks at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday. But the Mavericks defeated the Pacers 134-130. Dallas improved to 20-36 and snapped a 10-game losing skid, while Indiana fell to 15-43 and snapped a three-game losing skid.

In Case You Missed It

The Indiana Pacers fell to the Philadelphia 76ers 131-118 at the Capital One Arena on Friday. Jay Huff led the Pacers with 22 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists. Alondes Williams led the Wizards with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.

The Dallas Mavericks dropped a 122-111 decision to the Minnesota Timberwolves in clutch time at the Target Center on Friday. Khris Middleton led the Mavericks with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 40 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Edwards, 24, said of Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch, “He’s a big part of my success.” Finch, 56, has served as the coach since 2021. Marvin Bagley III finished Friday’s game with 15 points and 13 rebounds, notching his second double-double in his first four games as a Dallas Maverick. Bagley III, 26, totaled 19 offensive rebounds through his last four games. He’s averaging 11.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game as a Maverick.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Bagley’s 19 offensive rebounds are the third-most offensive boards by a Maverick through his first four games with the team. Only Popeye Jones (25) and Dennis Rodman (20) had more through their first four games with the squad.

Indiana Pacers vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters

Indiana’s starting lineup featured Andrew Nembhard, Kam Jones, Jarace Walker, Pascal Siakam, and Huff. Indiana ruled out Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tendon tear), Johnny Furphy (right ACL tear), Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain), Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture), Aaron Nesmith (right ankle sprain), and TJ McConnell (right hamstring soreness).

Dallas’ starting lineup featured Naji Marshall, Max Christie, Middleton, PJ Washington Jr., and Daniel Gafford. Dallas ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), and Cooper Flagg (left midfoot sprain).

Pacers vs. Mavericks Recap

Indiana and Dallas aren’t traditional rivals but have shared a competitive spirit over the years. Entering the game, Dallas won 48 of the two teams’ games compared to Indiana’s 40.

Pacers Forward Kobe Brown made his Gainbridge Fieldhouse debut. Dallas took an early 7-4 lead to open the first quarter. Middleton quickly made a bucket. Indiana picked up the pace to keep the game close, but fell short. \Nembhard converted defense into offense, getting the steal and slamming it home. Dallas took a 36-33 lead to end the first.

Indiana tied the game at 44-44 to start the second quarter on a high note. Huff blocked Brandon Williams’ shot to keep Dallas at bay. However, Dallas picked up the pace to build a larger lead. Klay Thompson nailed a three-pointer for his first points of the game. Dallas took a 71-66 lead into halftime.

Indiana made a bucket to begin the third quarter. Indiana’s efforts kept the game close, but Dallas’ shooting was on par. Christie delivered a solid three-pointer from distance, while Middleton shone with a highlight-reel bucket. Dallas took a 103-95 lead through three quarters.

Dallas opened the fourth-quarter scoring, but Indiana got on the board to keep the game close. Marshall’s defense shone, while Thompson’s three-pointers showcased vintage Klay Thompson. Quenton Jackson pulled off a step-back jumper, while Nembhard nailed a three-pointer. Dallas won 134-130 in regulation.

Next Steps

The Indiana Pacers continue the homestand against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. Indiana can focus on its defensive strategy, shooting percentage, and exploitation of Philadelphia’s defensive weaknesses for a win over Philadelphia.

The Mavericks conclude their homestand against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Dallas can focus on its key players’ performances, along with offensive and defensive strategies, for a win over Brooklyn.