UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the Dallas Mavericks edged the Indiana Pacers 107-105 on October 25, 2023, in a game dominated by injury-depleted rosters. Brandon Williams led the Mavericks with 20 points, while Dwight Powell contributed 18 points, propelling Dallas to a crucial victory.
The Pacers had a golden opportunity to snatch victory in the closing seconds. Aaron Nesmith collected an offensive rebound after RayJ Dennis intentionally missed a free throw with just 3.4 seconds left on the clock, but Nesmith’s desperate three-pointer fell short, sealing the Mavericks’ win.
This intense matchup saw the Mavericks’ bench shine, scoring a season-high 64 points. With this win, Dallas improved to 2-3 and completed its five-game homestand, the longest since the 1983-84 season. Cooper Flagg, the top pick in last summer’s NBA draft, also made headlines with a double-double performance of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Pacers struggled, finishing the game with a season-low shooting percentage of 34.9%. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Jarace Walker registered a career-high 20 points. However, the team is facing a tough start to the season, now sitting at 0-4—their worst start since the 1988-89 season.
The Mavericks faced additional challenges as Anthony Davis exited the game late in the first quarter with lower left-leg soreness. Initially listed as available due to bilateral Achilles tendinopathy, Davis was making his second consecutive start at center, with Dereck Lively II sidelined due to a knee sprain.
Dallas overcame a significant deficit, rallying from a 14-point slump late in the first half to dominate the third quarter 29-19. This resilience showcased the Mavericks’ determination, even amidst injuries and setbacks.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will kick off a four-game homestand on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will step out of Dallas for the first time this season, facing off against the Detroit Pistons in a highly anticipated game in Mexico City.
Stay tuned for further updates as both teams navigate their respective challenges in the early NBA season. This thrilling matchup not only showcased the grit of the Mavericks but also highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Pacers as they seek to turn their fortunes around.
