Mavericks stun Pacers in Indianapolis; Irving leads 121-105 victory

Early Momentum Shifts

The visiting Dallas Mavericks established a commanding lead in the first quarter, outscoring the host Indiana Pacers 44-27. Kyrie Irving was the primary catalyst, scoring 24 points for the game, including three-pointers that extended the Mavericks' advantage. The Pacers, playing at home before a crowd of 17,274, struggled to keep pace early, trailing by 17 points as the first period ended. Despite the deficit, Indiana’s offense began to find its rhythm later in the game, but the damage was already done.

Mid-Game Struggle

The second quarter saw the Mavericks extend their lead further, scoring 33 points to the Pacers' 16. This stretch of play was pivotal, as Dallas pulled away to lead 77-43 at the half. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 23 points, but the team was unable to match the Mavericks' efficiency during this mid-game segment. The home team’s scoring drought in the second quarter proved difficult to overcome, leaving them chasing a substantial deficit into the third period.

Late-Game Effort

The Pacers attempted a comeback in the third quarter, scoring 33 points to the Mavericks' 21. This was the highest-scoring period for Indiana, as they narrowed the gap to 98-76 entering the final frame. Tyrese Haliburton dished out seven assists, helping to orchestrate the offense. However, the Mavericks' defense tightened in the fourth quarter, limiting the Pacers to 29 points. Dallas scored 23 points in the final period to secure the 121-105 victory.

Final Records

The result leaves both teams with a 1-1 record after their season openers. For the Mavericks, the win was built on a balanced effort, with Naji Marshall contributing six assists and P.J. Washington grabbing 13 rebounds. On the other side, Ivica Zubac led the Pacers with 11 rebounds. The game was played on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Mavericks' ability to maintain their lead despite the Pacers' third-quarter surge was the defining factor in the final outcome.

Sources

ESPN