The Pacers, battered and bruised by injuries, limped into Dallas missing a slew of key players, including their star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, whose absence since last season’s dramatic NBA Finals loss has cast a long shadow over the franchise. With so many familiar faces sidelined, Indiana turned to newly signed Mac McClung—a high-flying Slam Dunk champion making his first foray on a standard NBA contract—to inject energy and hope into the depleted backcourt.
On the Mavericks’ side, the spotlight blazed on Anthony Davis, who continues to anchor Dallas with authority, averaging 25 points and nearly 12 rebounds per game. Alongside him, rookie sensation and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg remains under scrutiny, still adapting to the NBA’s unforgiving pace, posting modest numbers but showing flashes of the brilliance that made him the draft’s top choice.
As the game unfolded, the Mavericks seized momentum early, relying on clutch three-pointers from veteran Klay Thompson and aggressive drives by Brandon Williams. At the half, Dallas led 50-41, their precision from beyond the arc and stifling defense keeping Indiana at bay. The Pacers fought valiantly—Jarace Walker and Pascal Siakam leading the charge—but turnovers and the absence of key playmakers proved too much to overcome.
Pascal Siakam, continuing his impressive form from the previous game, tallied crucial points and rebounds, striving to keep his team within striking distance. Yet, the Mavericks’ depth and home-court energy, fueled by Davis’s dominance inside, proved decisive. The win probability swung firmly in Dallas’s favor midway through the second quarter and didn’t waver.
For fans, this matchup underscored the drama and unpredictability that defines the NBA’s early season. The Pacers, though winless, showed resilience—a team battered but unbowed, with hope resting on returning stars and the spark of newcomers like McClung. For Dallas, the victory was a much-needed balm, a chance for their stars to build chemistry and for Flagg to continue learning on the big stage.
The journey for both teams is far from over. With the Pacers soon to host the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors, and the Mavericks seeking to build on their home-court triumph, the season’s narrative is only just beginning. For now, the night belonged to Dallas, but as NBA history shows, fortunes can turn in a heartbeat.
Catch up on the latest stats and highlights on ESPN’s live coverage and follow the Pacers’ comeback story on IndyStar Pacers Insider.