DALLAS — Myles Turner delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with a season-high 30 points and 11 rebounds, reaching over 8,000 career points. Tyrese Haliburton also had a remarkable game, scoring a season-high 25 points and providing 12 assists, leading the Indiana Pacers to a 134-127 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.
Dallas managed to reduce a 10-point deficit to just five with 1:47 remaining in the game. However, Haliburton responded with a crucial pull-up jumper from 17 feet with only 50 seconds left on the clock. Pascal Siakam contributed significantly to Indiana’s efforts, adding 23 points to the total.
For the Mavericks, Luka Doncic was a standout performer, putting up 34 points along with 15 assists. Dallas faced challenges in this game, having split their previous two home matches. Kyrie Irving supported the team with 27 points, while Naji Marshall tied his career high with 20 points off the bench, significantly surpassing his average prior to the game.
In this match, the Pacers were without power forward Isaiah Jackson, who is sidelined for the season due to a torn right Achilles tendon sustained on Friday. Additionally, small forward Aaron Nesmith did not play due to a sprained ankle.
The Mavericks also faced injury issues, missing Dereck Lively II, their backup center who usually plays 23 minutes per game due to a sprained shoulder. Maxi Kleber remained out for his fifth straight game because of a hamstring injury.
Observations from the game:
For the Pacers, their previous average for three-point shooting was 11.5 out of 33.0. They started strong, hitting 7 of 9 three-pointers in the first quarter to gain a 13-point lead, eventually finishing the game with 13 of 32.
As for the Mavericks, Doncic managed to go 4 of 10 from beyond the arc. He is currently shooting 32.3% from three-point range, a notable decrease from his career-high 38.2% last season.
A pivotal moment in the match occurred early in the third quarter when the score was tied at 67. The Pacers went on a quick run, scoring seven consecutive points to take control.
Another interesting statistic is that Rick Carlisle has a record of 5-2 against the Mavericks, the franchise he led to an NBA title in 2011, since he assumed his role as head coach of the Pacers in 2021.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, while the Mavericks will welcome the Chicago Bulls for their fourth game in a five-game homestand the same evening.