The Indiana Pacers claimed a 134-127 win over the Mavericks on Nov. 4 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, marking a strong start to the season against top contenders.
After previously defeating last season’s Eastern Conference champions, the Boston Celtics, the Pacers have now toppled both finalists from last season’s NBA Finals, sparking optimism among Indiana fans. In front of a packed Dallas crowd, the Pacers improved their record to 3-4, while the Mavericks fell to 4-3.
Myles Turner led Indiana’s offense with a standout 30-point performance, adding 11 rebounds and five three-pointers. Turner, a native of Texas, recorded his third 30+ point performance against the Mavericks.
Early on, Turner set the tone early with a powerful dunk over Mavericks star Luka Dončić, energizing his team and providing some traction early for the Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton contributed 25 points and orchestrated the offense with 12 assists, continuing his run as a key playmaker in the league.
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Turner talked about his ferociousness on offense following the game.
“I had to keep an aggressive mindset,” Turner said. “I think I took a back seat the last couple of games, and I know that when I am aggressive, good things happen.”
Turner said he plans to be more intentional on defense and wants to do his part in securing more rebounds.
Indiana’s offensive firepower was evident from tip-off, going on a 15-2 run to open the first frame. The Pacers ballooned to a 36-29 lead by the end of the first quarter, shooting an efficient 57% from the field. Turner and Pascal Siakam, the latter scoring 23 points and securing six rebounds, helped Indiana maintain a lead throughout the first half.
With strong contributions from Bennedict Mathurin and Haliburton, the Pacers built an advantage that would prove challenging for the Mavericks to overcome.
Dallas struggled defensively in the paint, with Indiana scoring 76 points inside, nearly doubling Dallas’ 58. Indiana’s pace and spacing were apparent in their transition game, leading to 26 fast break points compared to the Mavericks’ 15.
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The Mavericks mounted a comeback in the third frame, narrowing the gap to just one point as Klay Thompson and Dončić found their rhythm.
Dončić, who finished with a game-high 34 points, kept Dallas in contention with his clutch three-pointers, playmaking and ability to get to the free-throw line. Dallas outscored the Pacers 36-33 in the third frame, bringing the game within reach for the final stretch.
Kyrie Irving added 27 points and contributed big shots throughout the second half for Dallas, partnered with Naji Marshall, who added 20 points off the bench.
Despite Dallas’ strong shooting of 52% from the field, their efforts fell short as Indiana held firm in the final quarter, outscoring the squad 38-32.
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Indiana’s bench depth proved valuable in the final moments. Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell contributed 11 and 12 points, respectively while Jarace Walker provided key defensive stops.
Haliburton was glad that the team held their composure and defensive responsibilities for the entirety of the contest.
“I am proud of our effort tonight; it was a good win,” Haliburton said. “I thought it was a great team effort for us.”
The Pacers will take on the Orlando Magic on Nov. 6 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, tipping off at 7 p.m.
Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more sports from the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.
